Chapter 2: Arrival in Johto the missing Totodile
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
Somewhere in a forest on the outskirts between Kanto and Johto.
Misty grumbled, "Brock, have we made any progress towards Johto?" The group was searching through a thick fog, but it showed no signs of clearing up anytime soon.
"According to the map, the first city of Johto is nearby," Brock says while looking at the map. "But the fog isn't making it any better, and I can't make heads or tails with the directions we are getting."
"Brock, you already mentioned that hours ago. Please hand over the map so we can work together to find a way out of here."Ash says while trying to defuse Misty and Brock's situation and find a way out.
"And getting lost more, no thank you, Ash," Misty retorts at Ash. It was making him have a sweet drop. As they walked, Ash and his friends heard whistling from the vicinity. They decided to investigate and discovered a small pond where a dog-like Pokemon was causing the fog.
"I am not familiar with this particular Pokemon. It seems rather unusual," Ash says. The said Pokemon looked at the group intentionally. "Maybe it knows the way out of the forest and to the next town?" Ash said to Misty and Brock. As the group followed the Pokemon, it ran off in a different direction, leading them to the cliff's edge, where they stopped. It was unclear whether they saw an illusion or a real Pokemon. Regardless, it guided them out of the forest and into New Bark Town, the first city in Johto.
"I am unsure of the whereabouts of the Pokemon, but we have arrived at our first destination on our journey.," Brock says the group sees the Town much more extensive than they imagined. "Bigger than I'd thought it would be; the lab should be somewhere in the town, " Brock says as he looks into the guidebook.
Ash recalled his team's joy upon learning their location, particularly Pidgeot, and Charizard.
Earlier that day, before the gang left the Kanto region.
"Hey everyone, just wanted to share that Pidgeot is back on our team! We're excited to continue our journey through the third region, Johto. Ash explains to his team, excited about Pidgeot's return and new journey.
Charizard welcomes Pidgeot back to the team, expressing his happiness about Pidgeot's return.
"Wow, Charizard finally not sleeping around, Ash, huh? So what did you do to the Charizard that I knew?" Pidgeot said teasingly to Charizard, who chuckled at this.
"I have moved past that phase and am now prepared to compete in a league tournament again," Charizard said pridefully.
"Charizard, did you realize that Ash's first league ended in a loss because of your actions?"Pikachu says, crossing his arms to shut Charizard up, as
Charizard sighs.
"I am ready to make changes. Ash saved my life that day, and I am forever grateful. Looking back, I regret my actions when I first evolved," Charizard said to Pikachu, who was skeptical about what Charizard just said.
"Charizard, you'll have another chance to battle, and so will I. Perhaps we'll have even more battles this time," Pidgeot says to Charizard, who agrees. Ash observed that the team was highly competitive with each other. He also noticed the expression of regret and guilt on Charizard's face.
End flashback
"I am excited to begin my adventure now!"Ash says excitedly, and it shows on Ash's face and determination. "I'm determined to win the league this time around. It would be great if Team Rocket didn't interfere like they did in the past." Ash says while looking down, remembering that.
Ash, you don't need to worry anymore. Since the incident with you, security has been increased for league battles to prevent anything similar from occurring again. Brock says to Ash.
"It's important to note that those three individuals caused you to arrive late to your league battle. Additionally, while Charizard may have contributed to your loss, those three also contributed to your defeat." Misty says, trying to be nice minus what had happened in the past.
"Thank you, Misty, but let's go to town immediately," Ash says back to Misty. The group departs and makes their way to the Town but discovers that Nurse Joy, who typically registers trainers for leagues, is not present at the Pokemon Center due to a video.
The video explained that the speaker was heading to Professor Elm's lab to check on the starters to ensure they were ready for their trainers. They will return at one o'clock. Misty noticed the clock, showing that it was already 1 pm.
"Say the voice message says she would be back at one, didn't it," Misty says to which the group notices the clock as well.
"Come to think of it, you're right. It does seem strange that we arrived in Town around one o'clock, isn't it?" Ash says in concern. "It seems an incident occurred either during the journey or at the laboratory. Therefore it would be best for us to visit the location." Ash finished speaking while getting up.
"After we completed your registration, Ash, we had plans to visit the lab anyways." Brock agreed with Ash. "Perhaps she is in danger, or something has gone wrong."
"Let's go there anyway and not assume the worst," Ash says to which Misty nods in agreement, and Brock, as the team, leaves for the lab in the middle of Town.
As we turn to the lab
Upon arriving at the lab, Ash and his friends heard shouting and yelling. They quickly ran towards the commotion and found Nurse Joy and a young man wearing a lab coat. The young man was the region's Professor, and Nurse Joy was confronting him.
"I can't believe Totodile was taken, and someone mistook them for me. Professor, how could you be so short-sighted?" Nurse Joy yelled at the Professor, who had no excuse for what happened.
"I apologize for what happened, Nurse Joy. I was deeply engrossed in researching the unique qualities of the starters." Professor Elm says, only to be interrupted by Joy again.
"I need to inform the future trainer of Totodile that your negligence was due to your academic pursuits. This behavior is unacceptable, especially for someone in a position of authority like a professor."Nurse Joy says rudely, only to notice Ash and the gang.
"Hello there! I assume you were waiting for Nurse Joy to register for the league."Professor Elm says, trying to avoid yelling at Nurse Joy.
"We already know, but perhaps we can assist with the current situation?"Ash suggested that the Professor and Nurse Joy be relieved upon hearing that.
The Professor expresses gratitude for the help, acknowledging that the Pokemon's new trainer would have been worried if it had gone missing. However, Nurse Joy reminds him that he is still responsible for the situation, regardless of who took the Pokemon.
"Hello, there's no need to react that way. Can you kindly provide details on which Pokemon was removed from the lab?" Misty showed concern for the Professor and the Pokemon as Ash and the gang introduced themselves to the Professor and Nurse Joy.
"This is one of the three starter Pokemon we provide new trainers."Professor Elm explained as he pulled a photo and let a Pokemon out of its Pokeball.
"First, here is the fire type Cyndaquil," as it greeted the group and let the flames out of its back cutely. The Professor holds up the Pokemon and explains that while it is known for one thing, it is a sweetheart. Once it did, Professor Elm put Cyndaquil on the table next to him and pulled out a photo of a Pokemon with a leaf on its head.
"This is Chikorita, the grass starter of the region, which was recently given to a new female trainer," Ash and the others looked at it.
Misty couldn't help but gush over its adorable appearance, and the Professor chuckled and nodded in agreement.
"Certainly! He is quite competitive but also very friendly and gets along well with the other starters." the Professor says. He puts the photo back in his pocket and pulls out another picture of a Crocodile-like pokemon that's a blue and reddish color. "Here we have a Pokemon that comes from the water starter Totodile. This particular Pokemon is known for being energetic and happy." Professor Elm explains.
"Oh, he seems like a friendly Pokemon. What kind of trainer would he be given to by the Professor?" Brock asked to which the Professor sighs at this.
"To be precise, she isn't a Trainer. She intended to keep him as a pet." Professor Elm explains to the group what type of girl is asking for Totodile, "Emily comes from a wealthy and well-known family in the town."
"I have met her and realized that she is not the kind of person I wish to spend time with," Cyndaquil explains to Pikachu. "With all her money, one would expect her to be a pet trainer rather than just a pet owner."
"Yeah, I know that most Pokemon were given either as pets or trained Pokemon, but it seems like Totodile might have dodged a bullet," Pikachu said, nodding to what Cyndaquil said.
"Do you think Totodile is happy being a pet? The way Pikachu and Cyndaquil were talking to each other gave the impression that they don't like her." Ash says to the Professor, who nods in agreement.
"I attempted to explain, but she is extremely stubborn and insisted on having a Totodile, even though many other Pokemon are available." Nurse Joy says to the group. "It seems that she disregards the desires of the Pokemon. Many of them aspire to become human-trained Pokemon."
"Maybe the Professor can talk to her after we save Totodile. I mean, she might want to see Totodile's expression of what he wants," Ash says. "After all, it's not every day that you see Pokemon refuse to be with a certain human or trainer." The Professor nods in agreement as well as Nurse Joy says. "Based on his behavior towards being a Pokemon for her, it may be reasonable to assume that he needs a different trainer. However, we cannot be sure until we locate him and speak with him and Emily," Nurse Joy said. Ash nodded in agreement, then took out his Pokeball and let Pidgeot out. Brock realizes what Ash had planned and does the same with Zubat.
"Alright, you two, Team Rocket has taken a Pokemon from the lab, a water starter named Totodile. We need you two to go on the lookout for them and return here with their location," Ash said to the two flying types as
Pidgeot sighs upon hearing that name, especially in a long time.
"Oh no, not those three troublemakers again. I wish they would give us some space." Pidgeot said as Zubat nodded.
"Considering how often they have failed their missions, it's surprising that they haven't been fired yet," Zubat said to Pidgeot, who nodded in agreement.
"Please move quickly before the other three capture it and escape. You can talk later." Brock says. The two Pokemon nodded and flew off to find Team Rocket.
Meanwhile, the Totodile bit Jessie out of hatred and spite for taking him from the lab.
"Please help me remove this from my hair," Jessie's scream drew the attention of Zubat and Pidgeot. They saw a Blue and Red-colored Pokemon biting her hair fiercely and flew away to alert Ash and the rest of the group about their location.
"Is it possible for her to speak any louder? My ears are sensitive, and the noise affects even my eyes." Zubat saysPidgeot nods in agreement.
"It seems like you believe that capturing a Pokemon is a sign of success. Do you think it would have been better if they had been more quiet? It seems like they received the consequences they deserved for their actions." Pidgeot said as they arrived where Ash and the gang were. Pidgeot and Zubat returned to Ash and the gang to tell them they spotted Team Rocket.
"Please lead the way, and we will follow," Ash says as the two Flying types nod and show them where the villainous team is.
As the gang approached, Jessie's screaming at Team Rocket was getting louder and revealing their location. In response, Jessie hurled a chunk of her hair at the water starter Totodile, causing it to laugh.
"Now that's a look for you. Serves you right for taking me, not to mention your ugliness amongst the three of you," Totodile said with a snicker. After spitting Jessie's hair out of his jaw. "Blah disgusting."
"Hey, who are you calling ugly and disgusting" After Meowth translated Totodile's words, Jessie hissed at him. In response, Totodile laughed and pointed its claw at Jessie, James, and Meowth.
"Did I say just you, not all three of you? You're not worthy of me, nor are you worth my breath," Totodile said as this was ticking off Team Rocket more and more. Before Team Rocket was about to shut this Totodile up, Ash and the others arrived just in time.
"Totodile, are you okay?" Ash asked the water starter, who nodded and smiled, seeing someone was getting him away from these losers.
"Take him, Twerp. He's not worth the headache, and we don't need more hair loss," Meowth says to the group as the group notices Jessie's hair and busts out laughing at her.
"Jessie, you look great with that style. Perhaps you should consider keeping it long-term. And now, who is the one who lacks intelligence?" Pidgeot says after remembering her calling Pidgeot dumb almost a year ago.
"Seriously, even the twerp's Pokemon is making fun of me." Jessie was getting even madder than losing her hair.
"Let's move now before the police come. We're not here to deal with twerps. Remember Jessie's boss's orders," James says as that calms Jessie down. Ash, who heard that?
"What do you mean you're not here for us? What are you planning?"Ash asked to which the trio laughed at this. To which Ash was even more worried than ever, "What's so funny?"
"If we're looking for Pokemon in Johto, it's important to know that our base of operations isn't just limited to Kanto. However, that's all I can tell you for now.' Meowth explains.
"We should focus our efforts elsewhere and not waste our time trying to steal Pikachu. The water starter is more valuable than Pikachu. Keep an eye out, Twerp. Cause this won't be the last time we will be here in Johto," James says as he sends out Weezing and creates a Smokescreen as they get away just as Officer Jenny and the police of New Bark Town arrive. Leaving Ash and the other's speechless, especially Totodile.
"I was wrong to assume they were unintelligent for not showing interest in me," Totodile says. Ash picked up Totodile, who felt at ease around him. Interestingly, Totodile trusted Ash more than his soon-to-be trainer, whom he had only spoken to on the phone.
Meanwhile, at Professor Elm's lab, Ash handed Totodile to Nurse Joy.
"Here you go. It seems like Team Rocket was initially interested in him until he chewed off one of the member's hair," Nurse Joy said though Ash was more curious about what Meowth had said and James.
"Are you still contemplating what Team Rocket is plotting, Ash?" Misty says to which Ash nodded to her. "I understand your concern, but at the moment, we don't need to worry about them. Our focus should be on the journey ahead, as we have a region and league to conquer to earn badges." Misty says, reassuring Ash. Ash smiled at this.
"Thank you, Misty. Additionally, I wish for Totodile to have a more competent trainer." Ash says, looking at Totodile, who agrees.
"The Professor is currently occupied with talking to Emily as we speak. However, Totodile may be interested in accompanying you, Ash, as it appeared happier with you than when it was with her." Nurse Joy pets Totodile's head, and he wags his tail and nods in agreement with her statement. She remarks, "Looks like he agrees with me, Ash." Suddenly the group heard the Professor say.
"Are you certain? That's wonderful news. I'll inform Totodile about it. I appreciate your cooperation." the Professor hung up and walked over to Ash and the others.
"Can you please update me on whether they allowed Totodile to be taken by someone else?" Ash was curious about the conversation between the client and the Professor, as the call took a while to conclude. The Professor nods.
"It was agreed that if he doesn't want to be a pet, he can choose his trainer instead of being assigned one by them." Professor Elm explained, causing Ash, his companions, and Totodile to breathe a sigh of relief. "I heard what Nurse Joy said, so they allowed him to go with someone else. I agree with you, Ash. He seems to trust you more despite being mischievous. Based on what we witnessed earlier, he shouldn't pose any problem to your team." Professor Elm says as Totodile nods in agreement with him.
"I will register you for the Johto league gyms so that Totodile can join your team, Ash." Nurse Joy explains. Ash gave his Pokedex to Nurse Joy, who promptly registered him as an official trainer eligible to participate in the Johto league. She returned the updated Pokedex to Ash and told him, "You're all set, Ash. You're now officially registered for the Johto League."
"Here's Totodile's Pokeball Ash. It is tethered and made only for him for any trainer that chooses him," the Professor says, which Ash happily takes from the Professor's hands.
"Welcome to the team, Totodile. If it needs to be revised to your standards, let me know. I'll try my hardest to either help or return you without any questions," Ash communicates with Totodile, who acknowledges the message but disagrees with the final statement. Ash is pleased that Totodile prefers to stay with him and proceeds to recall him to his Pokeball.
Nurse Joy informed Ash and the gang that the nearest gym is in Violet City, which can be reached by passing through Cherrygrove City. To get there, they need to head west from New Bark Town and then head north. If they don't take any detours, it should take around a month to arrive.
"Thank you once again. Although we hope we won't require it, based on our past experiences with maps, there is a possibility that we may get lost. However, we will do our utmost to avoid this situation." Misty says, making Brock chuckle, and Ash laughs nervously from hearing that.
Ash and the others leave New Bark Town as the sun sets after saying their goodbyes.
Things are getting more interesting for Ash and the gang since they added Totodile to their team. They are curious about Team Rocket's motives and what other surprises await them on their journey regarding new Pokemon and upcoming Gym battles.
Stay tuned.
I just finished another chapter of my story. It turned out to be quite different from my original plan and ended up longer than expected. However, I have exciting plans for Totodile - he will evolve early in the story. Chikorita will evolve into her final stage, while Cyndaquil will remain a Quilava until the third story of the trilogy. I'll explain why Cyndaquil couldn't ignite its flames in a later chapter. Next up, Ash will be meeting Cassy. Stay tuned for more updates.