Monarch's Journey
Chapter 2: Rocket Burnout
"We are completely lost Tiz." Alissa huffed as she looked around the forest, and shivered as a few Weedles scuttled across barks, some hanging upside down as she looked upward. Rubbing her pale green arms lightly, the Gardevoir gave a weary glance around the dark forest floor again. Turning back to Tizeriz, Alissa huffed as she walked closer, and narrowed her eyes at the woman beside her.
"Seriously Tiz… I think we should head back. Because if Shade's not up to fighting anymore, I'm your only real fighter here. And most Kantonian bugs know a poison move or so." She urged, only for Tizeriz to wave her off and grin over her shoulder. Arms holding a few smaller branches and logs, Tizeriz chuckled.
"Don't worry Alissa. You're not the only psychic here. I can take care of us in case things go south." She answered back before turning in place. "Besides, We're too deep in. I think we'll just need to set up an early camp before we head to Pewter."
"Ugh… Fine but… please don't burn down the forest… I've seen you cook without help before." Alissa pleaded before Tizeriz slammed a hand to the ground, forcing an indent to grow downward into the dirt. Smiling, the woman haphazardly threw her firewood into the pit, and turned Alissa with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"Oh trust me," Tizeriz snapped her fingers, a spark exploding between her dark fingertips, and ignited the wood in an explosion of flames. "I think I got an idea. moomoo cheese, potatoes, and some tamato berries will go well over some rice. It'll be a curry-ious endeavour!"
"... So I should be ready to call the Pokemon Centre… Gotcha sis."
"Ah ha! There's the city." Misty's voice rang out as she skidded her bike to a halt outside the road leading into Viridian City. Panting lightly as Ash jumped off from her bike, the girl stood against the railing that ran along the path of the city, and shot around the trees dotting the sides.
"So we should probably head to th-" Misty started before pausing as a voice rang across the city. Coming from the lone police station seated several metres before the trio. Pikachu sat up in the basket, before jumping to the railing, ears twitching as he felt a gentle buzzing coming from said announcement.
"Attention, citizens of Viridian City! Attention, citizens of Viridian City! We have reports of possible Pokémon thieves in our area! Be on the lookout for suspicious looking trainers! Repeat, be on the lookout for suspicious looking trainers!" The voice echoed as Misty gave Ash a concerned look, while said rookie narrowed his eyes.
"Suspicious trainers? Pokemon thieves? Misty you have any idea?" Ash asked the water trainer beside him leaning her bike against the railing. Narrowing her own eyes, she turned to Ash with a grim gaze, and nodded slightly. "Is she talking about Team Rocket?"
"I think so. They're not so active here, but it isn't easy to find them… They're like worms or maggots… hiding, and striking from under or inside the apple." Misty huffed as she stared at the police station near them again. "Either way, we should get to the Pokemon Centre. I don't feel like sleeping outside tonight. Especially after the rainstorm we got caught in. Along with you soaking my shirt, Ash Ketchum!"
Ash jumped as he turned to Misty and narrowed his eyes at the girl, before growling. "I didn't have much choice, now did I? I had to jump into the river, or else it would've been death for me!" He shot back before lifting a finger to poke the girl in her shoulder, only to sigh as he waved her concerned look off. "Besides Misty, if we have Pokemon thieves running around, that might be linked to Team Rocket…we really shouldn't dawdle."
"I know Ash, let's go before we get caught out here with those suspicious people." Misty urged before righting her bike to her side, and took a few steps forward with it. Pikachu jumped to Ash's shoulder as the boy nodded, and ran after his newfound friend, with worry. Rushing into the city, the duo failed to notice the officer staring at the duo, before turning to her left, spotting a fishing hook ripping a paper off of the bulletin board outside the station.
"What the…" The officer adjusted her hat, before taking a step outside. Upon noticing the fish hook fly up into the sky, she darted out from the doorway, and turned to look upward. Growling at the hot air balloon above, the officer turned towards the garage, and ran towards her motorcycle inside. "I need to go and warn Sabina!"
Jumping onto her motorcycle, the officer revved the engine, and drove off, once the garage door fully opened.
"TIZERIZ DON'T ADD ANY MORE FIREWOOD!" Alissa wailed as she watched as Tizeriz dumped a few more bundles of sticks into the pit she had under a large pot sitting above it. Watching as the bonfire trapped below the pot, erupted into a conflagration, threatening to become a crown flame that rose higher into the sky. "NOO! YOU'RE GOING TO KILL US TIZ!"
"It's fine! I'm just speeding up the cooking time for the rice to finish! The potatoes should survive the inferno!" Tizeriz shouted back as she watched the pot slowly glow a deep red. "It's science Alissa! Nothing to worry about!"
"I think the local populace would disagree!"
"Relax, I think I made it perfect this time!"
"NO YOU DIDN'T!"
"Finally…" Ash huffed as he spotted the large red dome of a Pokemon Centre, surrounded by a larger series of glass walls, and barely visible staircases leading up those walls. "Hey Misty… I think we might be able to get a room at the centre, or two at least."
"Yeah, that's generally what they're for Ash…" Misty answered back with a slightly confused tone. Only to sigh as she rolled her bike towards one of the many racks sitting outside the centre. Digging out a chain and bike lock, Misty left her bike locked outside, before following Ash into the building, along with Pikachu turning on Ash's shoulders unsteadily.
"Well. I got a phone call to make home, could you get us a couple rooms?" Ash asked Misty, as they neared the desk surrounding the centre of the tiled floor. Only to smile softly as Misty nodded, and gave Ash a thumbs up as she walked closer to the desk.
Ash simply waved her off as he turned towards the small video phone station near the back wall, and sighed softly as Pikachu jumped from his shoulder, and ran over to Misty.
Sitting down in a small booth, Ash quietly dialled the phone number to Professor Oak's lab, and tapped a finger against the table in worry. With the ringing drowning out the sound of the centre, Ash sighed as he looked towards Misty, and smiled as Pikachu was picked up by the girl. Holding him to her chest, Ash huffed as he turned back when a familiar voice echoed from the phone.
"Oh why hello there Ash! I see you made it to Viridian City's Pokemon Centre." Professor Oak noted as he looked up from a small sketchbook lying on the table next to a burner and beaker. "Well, you've officially beaten Gary to your destination at least. He told me he was going to wait out the storm. So he's still here, training his Squirtle at the moment. But he did want me to ask you something. Other than starting a bet between us about your progress." Oak explained before Ash nodded slowly at the news.
"Well that's nice to hear, Professor, but what was the bet on?" Ash asked as he leaned into the computer screen slightly, removing his cap to check it for water damage. "Because if it's something as easy as catching a new pokemon, I'm sorry to say that I did."
"Oh you did catch a pokemon? When did that happen Ash, and where?" The professor asked as he turned from the screen, and looked behind him at a separate table. Sitting there was a simple bag of instant ramen, and a beaker slowly coming to a boil. Turning back, Ash saw the professor getting excited as he held a close fist to the screen. "Because Gary said that you won't catch anything until you get past Viridian City. Since you did, I won the bet!"
Ash chuckled lightly as he scratched his cheek before placing his cap back on; it was fine, and dry now. "That's a relief… what did you bet for anyways?" He asked, looking away to find something on his person.
"Oh not much, besides the fact that I don't have to give him any money now! I'm still in the clear for a million pokedollars!" The professor shouted as he pumped his fist into the air. "I don't have to survive on ramen for a while!"
"T-that's great professor…" Ash weakly praised, quietly darting his eyes over to Misty, before returning to the screen. "But I didn't mean to make a social call, not fully…"
Professor Oak paused in his cheering to turn back to the screen with a serious gaze. Nodding at Ash to continue, the Professor sat down and stared intently at the screen before him. "What is it Ash?"
"You should warn the trainers about the Spearow flock living out on Route One. From what Pikachu and I gathered, they're apparently more dangerous than expected." Ash began as he tilted the phone to his shoulder, and held up a pokeball, and tapped the shrunken ball, expanding it in his grip.
"Pikachu and I were going to tackle a Pidgey first, but when Pikachu refused, I decided that we were going to leave. That is, until a Spearow came at us, curiously at first, before alerting its flock. I think it was trying to let them know to avoid us, but… I think they just ended up getting called a traitor. So I caught them to save their life."
"Oh my… I'll warn the other trainers then. Since they still haven't even left Pallet Town either, your advice will help save some money and first time trauma for those three." Oak noted as he put a finger to his chin before nodding. "Say, you caught a Spearow?"
"Yep. I'm gonna get them checked out before I try and work with them." Ash answered as he released the tiny bird out before him. Smiling at the way the Spearow ruffed its feathers briefly, the pokemon turned on the table, before shaking its head. Turning towards Ash, it gave a soft trill, before hopping into his lap. Ash gave a soft laugh, before running a hand through the brown feathers covering its head. Watching as the Spearow rubbed its head to Ash's hand, Professor Oak chuckled into the phone as he heard the faint sounding of trills and cooing.
"Only someone like you could end up being friends with a pokemon known to be harsh towards others Ash." Oak commented as Ash soon felt the Spearow fluff its feathers before settling down into Ash's lap. "I'm glad you caught a Spearow however. I was worried it'd be a Rattata or a simple bug type that made its way down there."
"Professor… I don't think that outrunning a flock of Spearow left a lot to search for. I caught this one because they were in trouble, and in danger from their own flock." Ash explained, watching as the professor's gaze hardened at that.
"So you're not exaggerating then. From how scratched up you seem to be, it does raise some concerns. I'll have to send a note to the nearest ranger station. They might have to move that flock elsewhere if they're going to attack on a moment's notice."
"Thanks professor. I'll talk to you later, I have to call my mom before I end up forgetting to." Ash shifted his posture as he gently rubbed Spearow's spine, digging his fingers between feathers before sighing as the professor nodded, and the screen went blank.
Dialling up another phone number, Ash turned to look at Misty briefly. She seemed deep in conversation with the Nurse on duty. Slightly strange hairstyle aside, the Nurse seemed friendly as she talked to Misty. Handing her a single card before weakly smiling as she said something else, that carried to Ash's ears. "I would offer two rooms, but with the storm earlier today, Chansey and I have been busy. Several rooms had to be converted to extra wards that some of my Chanseys and Blisseys have been working hard to keep under control. Several of the Pikachu kept here have been overcharged. While some other Pokemon need medical attention to help heal burns and bruises from fallen trees in the forests outside."
Sharing a room with someone he barely knew? Not the worst thing Ash had been through, especially if he considered the Pokemon Camp he was a part of several years ago. Dang rain storm then ruined a scavenger hunt. And Gary wasn't being a good friend back then either…
Ash sighed as he thought about his friendship with Gary. Strained as it was, it did hurt to lose someone close to a petty argument. Even if it wasn't over a girl who moved away so suddenly, nor the fact that the argument was caused by the eventual breaking of a poke ball. One that Professor Oak gave to Gary back after an eventual departure of his Arcanine.
One reminder Ash didn't want to be reminded of, while looking down at his lap again. As he turned his attention from Spearow in his lap, Ash lifted his head up, and scanned the wall, begging for anything else to take his mind off of the past. And while browsing through minor cuts, and a single cobweb sitting right above a mural on the right most side of the centre.
"Hello? Ash? Is that you?" A voice asked, breaking Ash out of his musing. Snapping to attention, Ash turned to the screen and smiled at the sight of his mother. Clad in a simple white top, shorts and holding a pencil in hand, the woman smiled back. "Oh hi honey! Was your journey across Route One alright?"
"Somewhat mom… I ended up in Viridian City earlier than intended, but yeah. I'm doing fine and I met a friend!" Ash answered as he gestured to Misty, walking over with a slight frown and holding Pikachu gently to her chest. "I got caught up in a flock of Spearow, and I already reported it to the professor, so he'll have them sorted out soon."
"Oh ummm… Hi!" Misty awkwardly waved to the screen, as Ash's mother waved back, then chuckled before waving off Misty with a sigh that left the mood in a slightly sombre tone.
"Well I'm glad you're fine dear," Ash's mom's smile vanished as she gave her son a pointed look. "But do not make a habit out of this, because I doubt that I'll survive the heart attacks you'll cause me, much like your father did." She nearly begged Ash, who frowned slightly and sighed as he landed his gaze, to the Spearow on his lap. Content and sleeping peacefully.
"Wish I could promise that mom, but I don't think it's right to let bad things happen, when I could help or make a difference." Ash honestly answered back as he shrugged and slumped. "Besides, when Misty and I showed up here, we heard a city wide announcement being made."
"Oh? Does it have something to do with those rotten Team Rocket members scurrying around the region lately? Last thing I heard was them trying to pull something off near Cinnabar Island." Ash's mother asked before frowning as she turned from the computer screen, to stare at something off camera.
"I hope not, but the Officer stating the announcement mentioned thieves being around here. And from what Misty heard, and told me on our way into the city after that… Team Rocket activity has ramped up." Ash continued from her untold question before frowning as he lifted Spearow off his lap, adjusted his seating, before setting the sleeping Spearow back down onto his lap. "Still, I think we'll try and leave as soon as we can. Especially since I have a while to go. I don't feel like challenging this city's gym right now. I doubt that I would win anyways."
"I wouldn't even try Ash…" His mother dryly retorted before shaking her head as she turned back to the screen. "But still dear… please be careful. You're still my baby boy, and I'd hate to see you hurt. Or Arceus forbid…"
Ash smiled weakly at her intonation before he sighed. "I promise mom. I'll help if I feel forced to, but I won't seek trouble. I don't want to stop my journey because of Team Rocket. I'll do my best, but I won't seek trouble unless it comes to me."
"Well that's the best I can get from you, so I'll take it." His mother huffed before shaking her head as she stood up. "But it is getting late. And since you're at a good stopping point, I highly doubt that Team Rocket will target a Pokemon Centre as huge as Viridian's… So I want you to get some rest. Bye dear, and please stay safe!"
Ash waved back before smiling brightly as he stood up, and waved to his mother's figure. "Bye Mom! I'll call when I'm in Pewter!"
"So that was your mom?" Misty asked as Ash hung the phone back onto its receiver, before turning to Misty. Nodding he gently picked up Spearow, and cradled the flying type in his arms. "Well she seems like a nice woman. If we're going to travel together, you'll have to properly introduce me."
Ash nodded as he gestured to the key card with an elbow. "So I overheard what the nurse said, are we going to have to share a room?" He asked before Misty winced and sighed.
"Unfortunately. But this should be fine, I can sleep on the floor if you want the bed. I'm not partial to their odd mattresses." Misty offered only for Ash to shake his head as he walked towards the staircase Misty was near to.
"Nah it's alright. I'll sleep on th-" Ash was cut off by the sound of a motorcycle skidding across the laminated floor of the centre. Stopping right by the desk, the pink haired nurse standing at the station narrowed her eyes at the blue haired officer standing up from her position near the ground.
"Sabina! There's trouble heading towards the centre right now!" The officer shouted, only for the nurse's eyes to widen with shock as she stood more rigidly.
"Are you absolutely certain Holly? Does it have anything to do with the Pokemon thieves spotted around here?" The nurse asked as she turned towards the computer beside her station, catching the way the officer nodded at her question, grimly. "Because if that's true, we need to transfer these Pokemon to the next centre before that trouble attempts to stop us."
"I know, I already alerted the other Jennys around, and came here." Holly stated as she dug into her side pocket, and tugged out a simple standard repeat ball. "These thieves have been successful in the past, but today… Their luck will run out."
"Holly, don't be rash. Just help me get these Pokemon out of here, before those thieves come here." Sabina urged, before the ceiling of the centre exploded inward, as a rope lowered into the building.
Ash and Misty quickly shielded the Pokemon in their arms with their shoulders as they squinted at the dust cloud lowering into the centre. Once the dust settled, the night sky did little to illuminate the two figures standing side by side.
"The hell?" Ash asked as he returned Spearow to their poke ball, not wanting to scare the flying type by dropping them. Hearing Misty cough, Ash turned his gaze towards her, wincing as he rubbed dust from his eyes. Watching as Pikachu jumped from her arms, he growled at the duo. "What are you two doing here?!"
"To protect the world from devastation!" The first of the duo began, her voice ringing through the dust cloud, a hand pointed out towards the nurse's desk, the motorcycle toppling over as a large purple snake rose from under it.
"To unite all peoples within our nation!" The male shouted out, tossing a rose from his hand, only to curl and decay in a matter of seconds, as a floating ball of purple, hovered beside the man.
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" The woman shouted again as the purple Ekans slithered over the counter, to Holly and Sabina's annoyance as they backed away slowly.
"To extend our reach to the stars above!" The Koffing floating beside him wheezed out a laugh as it let out a small haze of smog that clung to the windows of the front door. When they cleared, the glass was covered in a thick purple film that seemed to only melt, and harden the glass irregularly. "James!"
"Jessie!" The woman shouted before waving a hand, the dust cloud snapping away as she curled a hand over the Ekans slithering over her abdomen, then around her back. "Team rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
The now revealed maroonish purple haired woman, stood with the Ekans curling around her neck, before resting its head on top of her hair. Hissing, the Ekans glared around the auditorium of the centre, before focusing on Ash and Misty.
"Surrender now or prepare to fight!" The blue haired man finished as he flicked another rose into existence, his black gloved fingers curled around the stem, as it curled around his fingers. Yet the introductions weren't over, as a simple Meowth landed on the ground between them, rising to its back paws, claws extended from its forepaws.
"Meowth! That's right!" The Koffing wheezed again as it floated closer to the ground, a smog escaping from the porous holes dotting the body. Settling along the ground, Pikachu jumped to the closest counter, coughing as he narrowed his eyes, cheeks sparking lightly.
"Yeah no. I don't think so." Ash coughed as he glared weakly at the Ekans uncurling from the woman before slinking to the ground as the woman scoffed.
"Oh as if you have any way of stopping us. We're here for all of the weak pokemon left here by the storm." Jessie explained, only for the Meowth to glare up at her.
"Hey! Dere's no need to explain our plan to a couple of small time shrimp!" Meowth shouted as he glared through the low hanging smog, before turning towards the two teens with claws extending. Pikachu's cheeks sparked again as the Meowth chuckled lightly.
"Pika-pi-pika chu!" Pikachu shouted, causing both the wheezing Koffing, and the hissing Ekans to pause. Meowth stifled a chuckle before all three of Team Rocket's pokemon let out a collective laugh. Pikachu narrowed his eyes before sparks grew wild against his cheeks. "Pika-pi chu-ka!"
"Whoa hey! Watch the language rookie! We're thieves, not common thugs!" Meowth returned as he baulked at Pikachu's insult, only to yelp as a pokeball sound echoed, and a simple gleaming gem started glowing. Misty narrowed her eyes as she held onto the simple blue pokeball open in her hand.
"Starmie, use Swift!" Misty shouted, before the two Rocket members glared and jumped away from the swirl of stars, now pelting both Meowth and their two poison types. Watching as they slid back against the floor, James growled as he turned to watch the retreating forms of Holly and Sabina rush towards the backroom. Narrowing his eyes, the man flicked out another pokeball, and pointed towards the women.
"Growlie! Go after them, and make sure they can't get far along their retreat!" He commanded, the fluffy fire type nodding as it materialised. Jumping over the counter, the canine ran off, growling.
Yet as James turned back to the battle between him, his partner and the two teens, he ducked as Koffing was flung back towards him, with a panting Ash Ketchum standing between Starmie flinging Swift stars around Ekans, and Pikachu scratching and tackling Meowth away from the duo.
Watching as Koffing floated over, a fist sized bruise appearing across its face, the purple gas Pokemon expelled a larger haze of smog around the amphitheatre. Only for a command to stop him in his tracks.
"Jessie, Ekans, Meowth let's head after the targets, forget these whelps!" James shouted as he turned to Koffing and nodded silently. A silent command. Not easily done in practice, but it did show Misty the level of trust between James and his Pokemon, if Jessie blanched and nodded as she rushed down the hallway.
"James, if my knowledge is right, those two are heading for the emergency Pokemon transfer system!" Jessie shouted as she darted down the hallway past the emergency room. Kicking on the door she glared and pointed forward, executing her own silent command as Ekans slither away into the other room. "We better head after them now!"
Ash started forward at this, jumping back as Meowth came swiping at his arms, only to kick the Pokemon back, causing a hiss to escape the bipedal cat. "Hey! You can't fight a Pokemon yourself!" He complained, only to rush away when Ash ran after him, wildly swinging his arms at the retreating cat.
"Says you!" Ash shouted back, ducking under a gambolling attack from Ekans, who slammed into the blocky monitor. Watching as it careened across the floor, before stopping suddenly from straining cables.
Meowth vaulted over the desk and darted through the swinging door, leading into the back hallway. Ash growled as he leaped over the same desk, rolling as Ekans pounced for him. Getting back to his feet, Ash turned back and nodded to Misty and their Pokemon, before rushing into the hallway, Ekans slithering away from where Meowth went.
The moment everyone passed into the long hallway into the employee only wards, the lights immediately cut out as a smaller explosion of wires erupted from further down the hallway. Ekans hissed and glanced around gloweringly, leaping upwards as a glowing starfish slammed into the wall behind him, before vanishing into the darkness.
Before Ash could even try to adjust to the darkness, he leaned against the wall briefly, before feeling Misty tackling him into the wall. Both teens yelped as they fell, stiffening as a bright light enveloped from the doorway behind. Feeling the floor heating up as the duo hissed in pain, Ash cracked an eye open towards the dark room as he lifted his chest off the ground.
As the two teens hissed in pain, Ash heard Koffing from the doorway wheezing again, followed by the awful scent of scorched trash. A chuckling could be heard coming from the amphitheatre, so Ash dared take a peek towards the swinging doorway. A bright light emanated from the middle of the gap. Staring at the glowing ball, Ash slumped to his side against the wall, and turned towards Misty next to him, who was clutching her elbow. He noticed her holding a dark, bleeding spot near the point of her elbow, clearly injured from the sudden fall.
"Misty, Misty… are you okay?" Ash asked in a hushed tone, Misty only squeezed her eyes shut, and shook her head in response. Grimacing, Ash took note of her lack of verbality, before jolting at the brighter glow of the Koffing.
"Misty…" Ash whispered to the girl as he propped himself over the girl, before shoving her against the wall quickly. Eliciting a sharp hiss, Misty squeezed her eyes shut and nodded against his hand. "The Koffing's glowing in the main room…I think it's going to blow up."
Snapping his eyes shut, Ash pressed himself against Misty, tucking an arm over her head, before pinning her body close to his. Huddling protectively over Misty, Ash felt his body tense as Koffing's laughter hit a crescendo. The first thing to hit the duo was the sudden vacuum of smell. Hearing Misty's breathing hitch, a deafening noise consumed the doorway.
"Tiz… I think the food's done…" Alissa whined as she stared at the glowing balls of what should've been potatoes. Sitting in a pan covered with ash, blackness of what should've been broth, and a hint of something edible. "Sis…You are, no doubt, the absolute worst cook I've ever met."
"Not my best work, but hey!" Tizeriz smiled as she reached for the pan. "An excuse to get a new pan again!"
"Sis. Honestly. Pick up an Arceus damned cookbook. Or you know…One of those bloody 'Cooking For Dummies' books. It might save us a ton of money." Alissa deadpanned as she slowly turned her gaze towards her beaming sister.
"Nah. Those books are boring, and you know me sis. I cook to make myself happy, and if I can't eat it? Oh well."
Before the Gardevoir could even begin to face palm at her sister's stupidity, she felt the ground shake slightly. So she looked over the treeline back towards Viridian City, and spotted a plume of smoke across the horizon. Narrowing her eyes, she turned to Tizeriz. "Sis?"
Humming away without a care, Tizeriz paused as she lifted her head from the blackened pot, and followed the finger her partner held out. "Whoa."
Holding each other tightly. the duo waited with baited breath. Only daring to take a peek when the building's shaking seemed to have subsided, and the sound of glass shattering ceased. The two trainers jolted at the sound of Koffing wheezing in the empty, former amphitheatre.
With the fire swarming the hallway, and the smell of smoke and ash becoming more prominent, the duo felt the urge to cough; before succumbing to the action. Feeling the smoke stinging their lungs, the duo quickly shot to their and scrambled away from the fiery hellscape that Koffing left as it floated back into the darkened hallway slowly.
Following the duo, the poison gas Pokemon chuckled as smog settled from its pores again, settling across as Ekans slithered near its partner once again. Both poison types laughed at Misty and Ash, who stared back with an unsettled wince.
"G-goodness…we barely got out of there before that dang Koffing blew up." Misty growled.
Ash mentioned, "Considering it's still floating, it's not a weak Pokemon at a-" He was interrupted as a cough escaped from his lungs once again. He grimaced at the taste of blood he felt pooling in between his gums and cheek before spitting it out.
"We're not gonna win this one easily, Misty. That Ekans can hide in Koffing's smog."
"And clearly Koffing can explode again without warning or much self-harm. The fact that those Rocket members left these two alone means that…" Misty trailed off as Ekans pounced for her.
The redhead retaliated by calling out a Goldeen and using her uninjured arm, hefted the large Pokemon by its tail fins at the poison snake. The Pallet native looked on in wonder and began internally questioning the strength possessed by his new friend.
"Don't just stand around and analyse everything Ash! We gotta go get those two! Take the Rocket members down, and these two will surely comply!" Misty nearly demanded as Koffing huffed wriggled in place.
Watching as the smog turned a different hue, going from green to purple, Ash simply nodded as he turned away from Koffing. Bolting down the hallway, Ash carefully grabbing Misty's injured wrist, he ran as fast as he could. While Misty grunted as she returned her Goldeen.
Hearing Ekans hiss in annoyance, the duo felt a sudden heat surge. All while hearing a sickening "thwack" sound. Koffing floated after the two, smog trailing after like a ribbon. "Dang it, we can't shake them!" Ash growled. Pausing as he saw a piece of rebar sticking halfway out of the cracked wall.
Coming to a halt, Ash ripped the rebar out of the wall. Holding the rebar like a bat, Ash quickly spun around and swung at Koffing. Stopping in shock, the metal bashed the ball of gas down the hallway, where it vanished from sight. Panting heavily, Ash's eyes darted around the hallway; his view limited as he jumped from the crunching noise reverberating below him.
Stumbling forward as the flooring rose below him, Ash dropped the rebar as Ekans rose from the cracked stone. Knocking Ash to the ground, the Ekans let out another hiss as it glared at the two teenagers. Rearing its head, the Ekans jerked back when Misty swung her uninjured fist at its head.
The Ekans reared back again, only to stumble as a foot crashed into the lower section of its body, bumping against the jagged flooring. Toppling back, the snake collapsed onto itself. Hissing in defiance, the Ekans tried to lift its head, only to fall back into the hole, as exhaustion took root. Ash let out a sigh as he sat up against the hole. "Enjoy your dirt nap."
With the Rocket Pokemon subdued, Ash rose to his feet slowly. Nodding at Misty, she sent a weak, pained smile in response. The raven-haired trainer gently took a look at her elbow, wincing a bit. "You didn't get hurt anywhere else did you?" He finished as he looked up at her.
Hissing as the Pallet-Towner lifted her arm to his eyes, Ash scanned the wound. "No actually…You managed to shield me well, despite your stout stature. Thank you for that." Misty showed her gratitude while Ash held her arm in his hand, quietly examining the wound.
"That's good… Although my back really hurts now." Ash grimaced as he ran a hand through his hair, knocking his hat off centre as he pulled away from the brim. Pulling his hand towards his face, he made a face at the soot covering his finger tips.
"Well let's finish this quickly then, because I doubt that Officer Jenny is going to stop those two easily. Nor do I think that Nurse Joy has any Pokemon to defend herself with." Misty sympathised before she turned her gaze back down the hallway. "And I doubt that we took out all of their Pokemon."
"Nope. The blue-haired guy had a Growlithe, and I doubt that his partner only has one pokemon." Ash answered as he dropped Misty's arm with a gentle manner. "Besides, there's that weird Meowth with them too."
Abandoning the two poison types, the young teens ran further down the hallway, only halting when they saw James' Growlithe playing defence against Ash's Pikachu. The aforementioned trainer attempted to jolt forward, only to be grabbed by Misty's good arm, yanking him back.
"Hold it Ash, that's the Pokemon holding bay. If we jump in without a plan, we're screwed! The rest of my Pokemon are water bound, my arm's aching, and I doubt that I'll be able to hold Goldeen anymore!" Misty whispered into Ash's ear, cowing his attempt to rush the Growlithe, and the three Rocket Members standing behind it. Leaning away as Misty's Starmie stood between them, and the battle between the humans, Starmie's cracked gem sent a gentle pulse down its drooping arms, as a shimmering wall of blue-ish pink shoved the members against the wall.
A second passed before the Rocket Members let out a collective squeak. Growlie let out a harsh howl, before pouncing towards the Starmie, type disadvantage be damned. Yet as Starmie twirled tiredly, a thundershock briefly lit up the hallway as Pikachu pounced from the darkness above, jumping from an exposed pipe and landing behind Growlie. Smouldering in the darkness, the Growlithe turned between the two, snarling as the lights above flickered to life.
"Alright! They might've cut the power, but we got our own Pika-Power!" The nurse's voice echoed from behind the doorway. "Holly, keep the door covered, and I'll transport the Pokemon safely before we attempt anything else. I don't want the Chansey overworked, nor in danger from the Meowth."
"On it Sabina! I'll protect this city with my life, or I'm no Officer Jenny!" The officer shouted back before the door slammed open with the officer bolting out, assessing the situation.
"Pika-pi ka-ka!" Pikachu shouted, before a yowl echoed from behind the shimmering wall of Reflect and Light Screen.
"Watch it rodent! I'm supposed to be the top cat here, not getting beaten by youse twerps!" Meowth shouted, before Starmie shoved them further against the wall, James and Jessie shouting in protest as they felt their bodies flattening.
"Meowth shut your trap!" James demanded, before turning his gaze to his Growlithe. "Growlie! Get one of those buffoons!"
Barking back in acknowledgement, the Growlithe started for Starmie again, as the starfish straightened out in preparation for a counter-attack. Only to get flung backwards into the barriers behind it, from Growlie's reverberating Roar.
With Starmie dazed from the attack, the barrier shattered, the Rocket Trio stood firmly again. Pouncing forward, Meowth launched over Growlie, and swiped at Pikachu, who jumped back and behind Holly, who grunted, and tugged her baton free from her side. Swiping at the leaping Meowth, she knocked it back into Jessie who grunted as she grabbed the dazed cat. "Meowth you idiot… It's a losing battle here!"
"Growlie, smoke screen on the double!" James commanded again before a heavy wad of smoke covered the hallway.
Eyes darting around the smoke, Ash jerked to the side as he felt a hand shoving him aside. Slamming into the wall, Ash slid down as he hissed in pain, before glancing over at Pikachu's silhouette. Digging for his only other poke ball, Ash tossed it out and snapped his eyes shut. "Spearow! If you can hear me, use Twister down the hallway!"
Materialising on the floor, Spearow let out a loud trill. Flapping their wings at a steady pace, the hallway smoke cleared in an instant. Wind swirling around the hallway, Misty turned on her heels, and winced as the rubble from the cracked wall pelted her side. "Ash, you better have an idea of what you're doing!" She called out before moving behind Spearow's frantic wing beats.
"I have an idea, you just need to get Starmie up! If we can ramp up the wind speed, we can gather most of Koffing's smog in one area." Ash shouted back as he ignored the shouts of surprise coming from within the twister. Slowly climbing back to his feet, Ash stumbled into Misty's side before glaring down the hallway. "They can't run now, not after we're close to beating them."
"Starmie! If you can get up, I need you to use Rapid Spin inside Spearow's Twister!" Misty shouted, going ahead with Ash's idea, before the teenager ran ahead, Pikachu rushing with him.
With Spearow inching closer to the Rocket Trio, their twister picking up Koffing and a recovering Ekans, the Spearow cut the attack off with a snap. Flapping their wings again, Spearow halted behind the Rocket Members, and the open doorway. Jessie shoved herself to her feet, glanced behind her, and blanched as she held her hands up.
"N-now wait one second! We can't lose here!" Before she could even get another word out, Starmie flung itself between Spearow and the Rockets, spinning rapidly.
With the added momentum, Spearow summoned forth another Twister, lifting the Rockets up, and out into the main Amphitheatre. Spinning around rapidly, Ash halted near the door, and pointed at the cyclone with a half-shut eye. "Pikachu, use Thundershock!"
With the smog swept up in the twister, along with Koffing panicking and spewing more out, it took only a single spark to ignite the swirling gases. With a deafening noise, the twister erupted in flames, before the pressure grew unstable inside the cyclone.
Resulting in a massive explosion, the trio flew high into the air screaming, with their hot air balloon tearing open. With the deflated balloon and basket caught in the same explosion as the Rocket Members, they gained height, shrinking from view. "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off this time!" The two humans screamed before vanishing with a twinkle dotting the morning dawn.
Standing under the broken doorway, Ash let out a breath before he let out a choked sob. Throwing his head back, Ash's sob erupted into a loud laugh as he leaned into the doorway. "We did it… We're not dead!"
"I can't believe it… Yesterday, I set out to expand my team." Misty began as she leaned into Ash's side, wincing from pain and sore muscles finally relaxing. "Today, I nearly blew up, nearly got robbed, and yet…"
"You two survived the strongest members of the lower tier of Team Rocket… I'm honestly surprised." Officer Jenny commented as she stared at the wreckage of the amphitheatre. "Even if the taxpayers aren't going to be happy."
"Yes well… I doubt they'll get any say. Lance won't let a city have no centre after all." Sabina added as she walked out from behind the trio of humans, smiling down at the trio of now, very exhausted Pokemon.
"Well now, I don't have much power at the moment, but I should have enough to find some basic medical supplies for you two. Enough for you and your Pokemon to make it through to Pewter City, where my sister can treat you fully." Nurse Joy added as she turned towards the emergency room. "I'm just glad you two don't have anything broken, or else I would've kept you here. So, let's go."
Nodding to each other, Ash and Misty quietly returned, or picked up their Pokemon, before hobbling after Nurse Joy.
"Oh and Sabina, I'll be at the police station getting a report drafted. This is something we'll need to send to the Pokemon League to handle." The officer shouted before walking past the front doors archway. Just to immediately jump when the doorway fell over, crashing next to a very melted, and tire deflated bicycle.
Laughing nervously, she continued down the stone steps, before vanishing towards a barrier of fire trucks, and several other police vehicles surrounding the centre's wreckage.
Sighing softly, Nurse Joy turned back to Ash and Misty, before ushering the duo into the emergency ward. Sitting down on a single examination table, Ash slouched against the wall, before Nurse Joy yanked him forward. Ripping his blue jacket off, the nurse chucked it aside, before turning Ash forcefully.
Tugging at his black shirt, the nurse lifted the fabric up, and let out a hiss escape her lips as she turned to Misty. "Okay young man, you're probably going to want to sit very still. Your back is riddled with tiny lacerations, and from what I can see, an intense amount of bruising." The nurse stated as she turned to lift the fabric completely off of Ash.
Scanning Ash's head and neck, the nurse nodded before she turned Ash's head towards her eyes. Scanning his face rapidly, she moved and lifted one of his arms up, before squeezing his arms in multiple places lightly. Nodding in satisfaction, she moved to lift his legs, before quietly nodding again.
"Now with how low power is going to be, I can't do much besides disinfect, clean, and stitch the few wounds I saw. But for any internal injury, I'm going to have to give you some of the stronger medications I have, and when you get to Pewter, go to my sister immediately." She continued as she turned towards a cabinet near the table. Tugging out a sealed suturing kit, she set it on a table, before pulling forth more medical supplies, and several bandages. "And before you ask, yes, I'm going to give you some swabs and bandages to change daily.
"I know you're both going to Viridian Forest after this, but please. Don't do anything strenuous Ash. I don't want these small stitches to tear open again." She finished, walking over with gloves tugged over her hands. With a simple gesture, and command to turn, Ash complied, and winced as he felt a swab of cold wash over his back. "I can't give you much in terms of numbing agents, but I can promise that I'll be quick."
"That's fine… The fact it's not a worse injury is what's making me feel relieved. I took the brunt of the shock wave there anyways. We were so close to the doors…" Ash muttered, wincing slightly at every poke, prod, and painful swipes of cleaning dealt, that once it was over it, he sighed, and simply tugged his black shirt back on.
"Now let's see what's hurting you." Joy muttered as she ushered Ash to a different bedding, before moving to Misty. "Light laceration on your elbow, dark bruising…A busted lip, some light abrasions on your abdomen, and a welt on your head. I'm impressed, your friend shielded you well despite the events."
Flushing under the praise, both teens turned away from Nurse Joy, and avoided each other's eyes. Misty winced as Joy gently lifted her injured arm up, before pulling a table under it with her leg. Resting Misty's arm on the table, she moved back over to the cabinet and sighed. "Miss Waterflower, I'm going to have to pull your shirt off, are you fine with having Ash here? I don't doubt you've seen enough of each other, but I have to ask."
"...It's fine… I um. I doubt he'll care anyways…" Misty muttered as she tugged at her red suspenders, taking care to not brush against her injuries. Once off, Nurse Joy gently lifted, and tugged off Misty's yellow tank top, barely pausing as she moved to remove the tight grey sports bra underneath. Nurse Joy took a mental note of how worn, and torn the fabric was. With a silent gaze to Misty, she got a simple nod back, and unclasped the fabric as Ash turned away, eyes covered by the brim of his cap.
Looking away in shame, Misty took stock of Nurse Joy's narrowed eyes, her gaze scanning over the lithe nature of Misty's body. Taking in several smaller, old looking, burns, shallow scars, and a dark set of bruises dotting the teenager's chest, the woman nodded grimly before turning her attention back to Misty's gaze. Spotting the shimmering welling in her green eyes, Nurse Joy sighed as she laid a hand over Misty's shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I'll see what I can do." She whispered, before she turned to her cabinet, a solemn expression crossing her face. Silently digging for some basic wound cleansing, Joy came back over with antiseptic, some lighter ointment, and a few bandages. "I'll have to prescribe you both some Sitrus Pills, and a few basic supplies. Those should help the worst of the pain away, while working your body in overdrive to heal. Don't take too many at once, always take them with food, and please for the love of Arceus above…"
Hearing the nurse talking about being careful, Ash looked up briefly, brown eyes locking onto Misty's shimmering green orbs. Jerking his gaze downward immediately, Ash's face grew hot as he focused on her body, before the heat gave way to cold realisation. A realisation coupled with the sound of running water, that slowed into a drip.
Misty's body, while still cute and beautiful looking, to Ash at least, was riddled in signs of abuse. Abuse he only saw on certain TV shows he used to watch a few years ago. Opening his mouth, he looked back up and silently shut it at Misty's nervous gaze, and shifting weight. "C'mon, let's get these treated first, then we can hide them again. Okay?" Nurse Joy asked, gently holding a wet washcloth in her hand, while setting the basic kit down in the other.
Nurse Joy knew that this procedure was going to take a while, and bit back a sigh as she lightly washed the front of Misty's chest clear of dried blood, and burn marks. It was time to pay a call to her sisters. Especially the ones stationed near or at Cerulean City.
Walking out of Viridian was easier than waiting in the centre. A fact both teens acknowledged as they stood a few feet apart. Eyes focusing on everything but the other person next to him, Ash adjusted his cap lightly as he took a deep breath, and looked downward. Silently praying for the tension to vanish, Ash slowly lifted his gaze towards Misty, and felt a flush growing on his face. Shaking his head, he coughed awkwardly, and looked up sharply at Misty's eyes. Staring back, the girl absently adjusted the hold on her bag, before looking away.
A pained expression formed across her face as she held her elbow, the bandage doing a lot to keep the ointment pressed against the bruising. Both trainers paused again from the tension, and to adjust their bags. Both now hefting a few medical supplies Nurse Joy had given them, along with some basic potions, and from the PokeMart near the edge of the city.
Staring ahead at the forest spanning across the route before them, Ash sighed as he thought about Misty's bike, left broken and scorched near the ruins of the centre. With a sigh, Ash pressed on ahead, Pikachu sitting on his shoulder, and the sky slowly approaching a full daybreak.
"Hey Ash. Just a penny for your thoughts but… You honestly think that we'll run into Team Rocket again?" Misty asked as she kept pace with Ash, her body swaying from exhaustion, and demanding a much needed respite.
"I'm not sure.. You probably saw them on TV, but my mother said that if someone retaliates against Team Rocket; they just end up becoming a target. I don't know." Ash answered, a concerned tone creeping into his words before pausing as Misty did.
Standing ahead of them, at the midpoint of the route, was the forest. Viridian Forest, in all of its greenery, and darkness. A pathway led into the forest, snaking around before vanishing down an incline.
As the duo stared into the forest, a haunting echo washed from within as a simple apparition took form near the centre of the pathway. A figure, accompanied by another, gently swaying behind them, slumped slightly, with hands over their ears. The main figure's hands extended high above their head, the noise echoing softly soon became recognizable as a voice carried by the breeze through the forest. "I know you're dying to meet me, but I can just tell you this."
Echoing softly, Ash turned back to Misty as she held her hand to her eyes, squinting at the figure. The owner of the voice came closer, and as the sunlight above filtered through the trees, shining through the entrance of the forest. "Baby, as soon as you meet me…You'll wish that you never did~"
Standing at the mouth of the forest, stood a woman with skin as dark as milk chocolate, dotted with freckles across her cheeks. Grinning with bright white teeth, the woman's bright pink eyes glinted as she tugged off her headphones from her black hair. Tossing her hair over her shoulders, the woman's hair came to a rest along the middle of her back. Tinged a deep brunette at the ends, the woman lifted a hand, and waved.
"Yo." She quietly said, before tossing her off-white headphones into her duffle bag hanging behind her. "Names Tizeriz, call me Tiz if ya feel me. You feelin' me ya buncha lovey dovey blokes?"
"What." Ash blurted out at Tizeriz's strange articulation, his eyes uncertain if he should be happy to see someone else finally. His mind settled on that as he watched the woman scan them, before frowning.
"Yeesh, you lot look like you've been caught in a fire. Did some'ing happen at the Pokemon Centre?" She asked, spotting the unconformable look on both teens.
"Sis, I think they're petrified by your appearance, you look ridiculous." A second voice echoed before Misty's eyes widened as she jerked back immediately.
"Whoa whoa whoa! You can speak English?!" Misty asked as she pointed at the Gardevoir standing beside Tizeriz. "D-does every Pokemon now speak English? First it was Meowth, now a Gardevoir."
"Yeah and? Alissa here can probably do maths be'er than the rest of ya lot ever could. Ya bunch of daft fuckin rookies. I've seen greener people than ya get further in Galar with only a wee li'le Dachsbun and a fuckin' Magikarp."
"...What's a Dachsbun, is that a type of pastry?" Ash asked dumbly, causing the woman to pause. Only to snort as she turned away and stifled her chuckles with her hand.
"Ash, that's a fairy type Pokemon." Misty whispered back, before the woman just laughed loudly. Alissa simply stared at Tizeriz with disappointment before turning to the duo.
"I apologise for my sister. She's a bit… oh what's the Kalosian word again… Folle." Alissa sighed as she held a hand out to the two. "I'm Alissa Xrksvi, and this is-"
"Tizeriz Xrksvi, yeah I saw her on TV last night." Ash finished for the, now surprised, Gardevoir before turning to Misty as he shrugged. "She wasn't doing bad either, awesome actually. Got top eight with only a team of four."
"I-I'm sorry, what now? I thought… Oh dear. Sis…."
Composing herself, Tizeriz absently tugged her short, black jacket down to cover her navy leotard. Followed shortly by her staring at her pink belt, and black canvas shorts, navy thigh highs, and black combat boots. "Yeah sis?" The woman asked, before turning to the Gardevoir beside her. "Is there something wrong?"
"Yes but no." Alissa began slowly, examining her green hands. "That and you were on TV. The WCS was broadcast everywhere."
"Oh. Oh… Shit." Tizeriz paused as she turned around to the forest. "Is it too late to run back in there, and hang myself?"
"Wha-?" Misty started before Alissa frowned as she sighed in annoyance.
"Yes. Because your grandfather would just prevent that." Alissa huffed back before grinding her hand into the palm of the other. "That and I think our mums knew something we didn't at the time."
"Yeah, and what's that you daft cunt? Is it the fact that they knew that we'd be on TV? Thus they should've bloody well knew that we'd lose, well before I bloody got my arse home?" Tizeriz asked with a fevered anger.
"No you bloody bint, it's because of the fact that if we lost the championship that badly, and they didn't even know that the events were live… I think they just wanted to either be rid of us, or just use us."
"...That bloody, no good, fuckin' bitch… Would she really do that to me?" Tizeriz asked before looking down briefly. "...Honestly? Thinkin' on it… yeah. She would."
"Sis, I think you're overthinking it." Alissa sighed as she pulled a fist back, and smacked Tizeriz upside the head, causing the woman to jerk forward. Nearly tripping, she stumbled before growling back.
"Hey watch it ya bitch, I have your poke ball right here." Tizeriz stood back up before gesturing to the two teenagers slowly looking between themselves. "Just cuz I nearly burned down our campsite, doesn't mean you can abuse me like that!"
"Bitch, you bloody well know it was more than the fucking campsite!" Alissa shouted back as a cough came from Misty.
"Uh excuse us, is there a point between now, and why we can't introduce ourselves?" Misty asked, her ire growing as she leaned forward. Ash just chuckled awkwardly as Tizeriz sighed, and shoved Alissa aside.
"Alright already, ya fuckin' layabouts…" Tizeriz adjusted her bag and stood proud. "I'm Tizeriz, if you didn't get the memo. I'm the Quarterfinalist of the WCS. I lost hella hard, but oh well. I'm tryna get back on top!"
"I'm Misty Waterflower, I'm aiming to become Kanto's Water Specialist, and Champion! Lance needs to go, especially if he cares more about Johto than Kanto. So, I'm travelling with Ash here, to become better!" Misty shouted, to Tizeriz's nod as she smirked at the younger girl.
"Nice nice. And what about you?" Tizeriz asked Ash, ducking beneath a swipe from Alissa as she chuckled.
"I'm Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town! I am on my first journey, and I'm aiming to become a Pokemon Master! I pledged to, alongside my rival, to meet at the Indigo League. After that is done, I'm aiming for the next league!" Ash shouted, getting a gentle nod, and a smile from Misty. All while Tizeriz leaned back, and stopped mid-air, appearing to be leaning on nothing.
"Cool cool. Glad to meet ya. Guess that means we're all on track to head around the region ya?" She asked, getting a nod from the duo, while Pikachu quietly jumped from Ash's shoulder. Inching closer to the huffing Gardevoir crossing her arms, Pikachu looked up at her, and tilted his head.
"Pika?"
"What? No, I'm not mad. I'm just messing around with my sister."
"Pi-cha?" Pikachu then asked as Alissa smirked.
"Nah. I'm good. Don't need to trace your lightning rod, and cause a feedback loop."
"Hey Alissa? We're going with them." Tizeriz interrupted as she jostled Alissa slightly, who blinked and looked at her with a confused noise. "Yeah don't ask, Ash here seemed adamant, probably due to our strength or uh… Because we got skill?"
"They begged, didn't they?" Alissa asked, causing Tizeriz to scoff and look away as the teenagers looked at each other with a bright set of grins.
"Nope. Nu-uh. Don't even start with me you-" Tizeriz huffed before looking away. "Actually it's because of the fact that I guess they nearly died…" She whispered, keeping her voice low.
Alissa's eyes widened as a faint blue outline grew across her pink eyes. 'Is it really that bad?'
Tizeriz's eyes shimmered a similar colour before she nodded and turned back at the two teens laughing to each other, far too close in each other's spaces. 'It's related to the explosion we heard earlier this morning, and apparently…The Pokemon Centre's entrance is just gone.'
"So they're coming with us, and I get to cook again!" Tizeriz loudly stated, causing the teenagers to jerk apart, and stare at their new friend. Tizeriz's eyes stopped shimmering as she grinned at the two, "I can only promise one thing. You'll regret meeting me soon enough. Only because I am a laid back, sort of trainer."
"So does that mean we'll grow, but you'll purposely stall?" Misty asked, only to get a finger to poke at her lips, hushing her.
"Nope. Means we'll have to be rapid-Ash, and not get Misty-eyed." Tizeriz smirked out, before Ash and Misty blinked at their names coming from the woman's mouth.
"Oh gods no… I just survived the first curry experience here… I refuse to die via non-poison typed poison!" Alissa shouted, turning to Ash and Misty as she walked over with an exaggerated concerned look. "I'd advise you two to ration whatever food or snacks you have. Tiz and cooking go about as well together as a Torkoal and a bloody lake."
"I-is she that bad?" Ash stammered out, turning back to their new friend, and her partner Pokemon.
"She turned a potato into a lava rock last night. She nearly burned the bloody forest down!" Alissa shouted back, before turning back to Tizeriz. "And you, don't get any bright ideas now! We're feeding fo- five mouths now! Basic meals for now, you goofy bitch!"
"Ash, I'm scared, who did we just agree to feed us while we recover through the region's most bug-type infested place?" Misty stage whispered to Ash, who only shrugged and held his hands up in protest.
"A really good battler, so uh…We'll be safe at least?" Ash offered back weakly.
"Ash. If I die, I'm dragging you with me to the afterlife." Misty threatened before turning to their older friend, standing at the side of a tree.
"Onward! To Pewter City, and the first gym most rooks like you take on! The infamous rock-type beginner's gym!" Tizeriz shouted before vaulting off of the tree's side, and into the forest.
"Pika-pi…" Pikachu sighed as he climbed back up Ash's shoulder, giving his trainer an irritated look.
"Oh no trust me, if my sister tries to feed anything she made to you three, I'll throw her arse across this entire region." Alissa promised before rolling her eyes as she jumped backwards from the group, twirling through the air, and into the forest. "Bloody rookies… This is easy stuff. Try climbing a mountain before getting worked up."
"Well you heard her, we better hurry before we lose them." Ash quickly said before rushing off after the Gardevoir. Who in retrospect, was actually very graceful in her movements, barely landing before pouncing ahead.
"Ugh, fine! Let's just run off into the forest without a plan. Why don't we?!" Misty shouted before rushing off, wincing slightly as she held her elbow again. "Not like we'll be due for trouble again… I think we filled our quota for the week."