Let's start with a long or short chapter of the first Pokemon Johto League Journeys episode.
Chapter 2: Arrival in Johto the missing Totodile
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
A few days later, somewhere in a forest on the outskirts between Kanto and Johto.
Misty grumbled, "Brock, have we made any progress towards Johto?" The group was a bit frazzled as they were searching for the path they were on previously when a thick fog rolled in, making things less visible and made their journey a bit more hectic as 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 this fog isn't making it any better, and I can't make heads or tails of where we're heading."
"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 risk getting lost even farther? I remember your experiences with a map back in Kanto so, no thank you, Ash." Misty retorts at Ash. It was making him sweet drop. It wasn't his fault they made those maps so difficult to read.
As they walked, Ash and his friends heard some whistling from the nearby vicinity. They decided to investigate and soon 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 approached the unknown Pokemon, it ran off in a different direction. They followed it, leading them to a cliff's edge, where they thankfully stopped before going over it. In the blink of an eye, the mystery Part Lemon was gone, and it was unclear whether they saw an illusion or a real Pokemon.
Regardless, after it went away, so did the fog. Seems 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 it seems we have arrived at our first destination on our journey." Brock declared as the group sees the town as much more extensive than they imagined at least from the horizon of the cliff side they were currently on. They soon followed the path that led to the town.
"Bigger than I'd thought it would be."
Brock stated as they got closer and closer to the town.
"I believe the lab should be somewhere near the southern part of the town." He added as he looked into the guidebook.
Ash recalled his team's and his own joy upon learning their location. All were excited for the beginning of a new adventure, particularly Pidgeot and Charizard.
Earlier that day, before the gang left the Kanto region. A moment within Oak's Ranch came to mind. Where Ash had gathered the Pokemon he encountered during his time in Kanto and The Orange Archipelago, outside of Primeape, who was training with Anthony, Lapras, who was released to join her pod, and even that Haunter, that wasn't technically his but had left a lasting impression before it stayed in Saffron City with Sabrina. Ash addressed his gathered friends.
"Hey, everyone, I just wanted to share that Pidgeot is back on our team! We're excited to continue our journey through the region of Johto alongside our original Kanto duo of friends, Brock and Misty." Ash explained to his team, who seemed excited about Pidgeot's return and the promise of a new journey.
Charizard was the first to welcome Pidgeot back to the team, expressing his happiness about Pidgeot's return.
"Wow, Charizard. It is nice to see you finally are not sleeping around or disobeying Ash. So what did you do to the Charizard that I knew?" Pidgeot said teasingly to Charizard, who chuckled at this. His troubles past would be brought up from time to time, but now he wasn't the immature creature from before.
"I have moved past that phase and am now prepared to compete in a league tournament again. After Ash saved my life from being frozen, I realized how much of an idiot I was. Ash has been nothing but good to me. My pride was the problem, not him. I won't let him down again." Charizard said humbly. Truly since that experience in the Orange Islands, he knew Ash was the Trainer that he always said he was. Caring and devoted to the end.
"Looking back, I regret my actions when I first evolved. Something about a middle stage can make you feel rebellious and can be carried over to adulthood. Those days are over, though. I'm not the same Charizard I was before." Charizard said to Pikachu and everyone else, who were skeptical about what Charizard just said.
"Charizard, you'll have another chance to prove yourself in battle, and so will I." Pidgeot said to Charizard, who agreed. It was nice having her support, at least.
Ash observed how well received Pidgeot was back into the group and knew that the team was highly competitive with each other. A passion she too shared. Before, he also noticed the expression of regret and guilt on Charizard's face. He hoped to find out why that was in due time.
End flashback
"I am excited to begin my adventure now!"Ash stated excitedlyband it showed 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, you don't need to worry anymore. Since the incident with you where Team Rocket interfered and made not only your run to deliver the Moltres flame a near failure and also left your team in a weakened state, security has been increased for League battles to prevent anything similar from occurring again."
Brock informed this but of news to Ash. That was a relief to know.
"It was made very clear. That should've never happened. While Charizard may have contributed to your loss, those three also contributed to your defeat." Misty says, trying to be nice about what had happened in the past.
"Thank you, Misty."
He knew they had issues from the time they met when her bike was destroyed to the many times Ash delivered a remark that would be considered. What was the term he was told? Oh yeah, savage.
But to know they had overcome that their issues and formed a genuine friendship meant a lot.
Not to get all mushy, Ash led the group to the Pokemon Center. They discovered that Nurse Joy, who typically stands at the front desk and registers trainers for the League Conference Challenge, was not present. A video looped around and explained that Joy was heading to Professor Elm's Lab to check on the starters to ensure they were ready for their trainers.
She would return at one o'clock. At least the video stated whenMisty noticed the clock, showing that it was already past 1 pm.
"Shouldn't she be back by now?" Misty chimed in to which the group noticed the clock as well.
"Come to think of it, you're right. It does seem strange that we arrived in town around this time, isn't it?" Ash said with a bit of concern. Just how long were they in that fog before they met that unknown Pokemon? And how long would they have remained there if they hadn't?
"Should be check on her and visit the Laboratory?" Ash finished speaking.
"After we completed your registration, Ash, we had plans to visit the lab anyways. so I see no issue doing that a little bit than expected." Brock agreed with Ash.
"Perhaps she is in danger or something has gone wrong." Misty added.
"Let's go there. We should be meeting with the regional Professor anyway, and let's just not assume the worst. Knowing our luck, something may be going on." Misty nods in agreement with Ash's words, and with Brock in tow, the team heads for 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, Zachariah Elm and Nurse Joy was confronting him.
"I can't believe Totodile was taken! 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 when I focused on Chikorita, and I left Totodile unattended." Professor Elm finished, only to be interrupted again by Joy.
"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's tone wasn't meant to be rude but stern. Though anyone who didn't know that would say her own behavior came across as rude, only to notice Ash and the gang. The Professor was thankful for the intervention. There was only so much scalding a grown man could take. Deserved or not.
"Hello there! I assume you were waiting for Nurse Joy to register for The League."
"We were, but we realized Nurse Joy wasn't back when the video stated she would be. We decided to see if anything had happened. Perhaps we can assist with the current situation," Brock suggested, holding back the urge to gush over Nurse Joy. He knew the situation didn't merit that behavior, and for now, he didn't want Misty to pull his ear like it had before back in Kanto.
The Professor and Nurse Joy actually seemed to be relieved upon hearing that. The Professor expressed his gratitude for the help, acknowledging that the Pokemon's new trainer would have been worried if their assigned starter had gone missing.
However, Nurse Joy reminded him that he was still responsible for the situation, regardless of who took the Pokemon.
"Can you kindly provide details on which Pokemon was removed from the lab?" Misty showed concern for the Professor and the lost Pokemon.
"Of course, this is one of the three starter Pokemon we provide new trainers." Professor Elm explained as he let a Pokemon out of its Pokeball.
"First, here is the fire type, Cyndaquil." A small rodent like creature greeted the group and let flames from its back flare out cutely.
The Professor explained it is a sweetheart. Cyndaquil sat on the table next to him, while he 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. I was studying her when our final starter was last seen." 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."
He put the photo of Chikorita back in his pocket and pulled out another picture of a crocodile-like pokemon that had blue and reddish coloring.
"Finally, our missing friend, the water starter. Its name is Totodile. This particular Pokemon is known for being energetic and happy." Professor Elm explained. Now with a clear picture of what Pokemon they were meant to look for, the gang was ready to lend a hand.
"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 sighed at this. It was a difficult question to answer.
"To be precise, she isn't a Trainer. She intended to keep Totodile as a pet." Professor Elm explained to the group. He soon found himself elaborating on the girl.
"Emily comes from a wealthy and well-known family in the town. She is not really interested in battles but wanted a Pokemon all the same. Other Pokemon were suggested for her that for more of a pet vibe but she was adamant on wanting a Johto starter and she landed on Totodile."
Off to the side…
"I have met her and realized that she is not the kind of person I wish to spend time with." Cyndaquil explained to Pikachu.
"With all her money, I know some Pokemon wouldn't mind having her be just a pet owner rather than a Trainer but most of us have an itch for battle, Totodile included."
"Yeah, I know that most Pokemon are given either as pets or to proper Trainers, who later go on to other careers, but they still have the responsibility to train. This seems like the life of a Pokemon who may want to be pampered and likely never see battle. I mean, it seems like Totodile might have dodged a bullet by being taken or wandering off on his own without you guys knowing it. Hopefully, we find him soon." Pikachu said to which Cyndaquil nodded to; she was hoping her friend would turn up soon.
Back to our group…
"Do you think Totodile was going to be happy being a pet? From the way Pikachu and Cyndaquil were interacting with each other gave the impression that the starters don't really like this girl named Emily when you mentioned her name earlier." Ash addressed this to the Professor, who couldn't deny he was in agreement.
"I attempted to explain that most Pokemon want to lead a variety of scenarios. From battling to participating in Contests, living in the wilderness, and so on. Living as a pet isn't for many Pokemon, including our starters. Still, she is extremely stubborn and insisted on having a Totodile, even though many other Pokemon are available for what life she wants to lead." Nurse Joy says to the group. Her annoyance at the situation was made crystal clear.
"The Professor can talk to her after we find Totodile. I mean, she might want to see Totodile's desire and what it wants. After all, it's not every day that you see Pokemon refuse to be with a certain human or trainer. It may have just wandered off for a bit hoping to avoid leaving."
Ash finished. The Professor agreed, as did Nurse Joy.
"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 declared.
Ash decided it was time to take action and let Pidgeot out. Brock realizes what Ash had planned, and did the same with his Zubat.
"Alright, you two. We need to find a missing starter." They showed them a picture of Totodile.
"We know he's missing. He may be in the area, but we can't outright say that this is the stench of Team Rocket scheme all over it. 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 sighed heavily upon hearing that name of Team Rocket, 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 was in agreement.
"Please, move quickly before anything should happen to Totodile. You can talk later." Brock stated and with that, the two Pokemon flew off to find Totodile while keeping an eye out if it was with Team Rocket.
Meanwhile, the Totodile bit Jessie out of hatred and spite for taking him from the Lab.
"Please, stop biting my hair!" Jessie's scream drew the attention of Zubat and Pidgeot.
When they saw a blue and red Pokemon fiercely biting a woman's hair, they knew they had found the starter they were looking for. Given their many interactions with the woman in question, they knew it was Jessie from Team Rocket. It seems she is alone for now and looking to reunite with her partners, James and Meowth.
Understanding the nature of the situation, Pidgeot and Zubat flew away to alert Ash and the rest of the group about their location. Having a bit of a talk on the way back.
"Is it possible for her to speak any louder? My ears are sensitive, and the noise affects even my eyes," Zubat said jokingly, but it was true. Outside of their natural cave dwellings, many things made Zubat's sensitivities act up.
While gathering their Trainers, Jessie had met up with James and Meowth. She explained that she was looking for food near New Bark Town, and when she saw Totodile unguarded, she decided to just take him. Not knowing he would be such a pain in the bum, constantly biting her hair and her arms in an attempt to be let go. When Ash and Co. arrived at the scene, they were just finishing up filling up their signature Meowth hot air balloon, and we were looking to make an escape.
"What do you think you're doing?" Misty shouted. Seeing the Team Rocket after so long was very unpleasant.
In response, Jessie cackled.
"Getting away with getting a one of a kind Pokemon for our boss. We're going to be welcomed back with….OW!" Her speech cut off as Totodile once again bit off a chunk of her hair. The water starter Totodile laughed. He wasn't normally this rowdy but if he was going to be taken against his will, he'd put up a fight doing so.
"Now that's a good look for you. Serves you right for taking me. Finally, you match your ugliness amongst the three of you!" Totodile said with a snicker after spitting Jessie's hair out of his jaw.
"Blah, disgusting. You can taste the hair dye."
"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 her? I meant 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 other interjected again.
"Totodile, are you okay?" Ash asked the water starter, who nodded and smiled, seeing someone who was hopefully going to able to get him away from these losers.
Despite wanting to please their boss, that last chunk of hair Totodile bit off, plus all these insults, was the final straw. No Pokemon was worth this much hassle.
"You know what? Take him, twerp. He's not worth the headache, and we don't need more hair loss," Meowth says to the group as they notice Jessie's hair and burst out laughing at her.
"Jessie, you look great with that style. Perhaps you should consider keeping it long-term and now look whose 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 at that after Meowth translated. It was upsetting her more than losing her hair.
"Let's move now before the police come. We're not here to deal with twerps. Remember Jessie. We have the boss' orders." James finished as tried to calm Jessie down. Ash heard that last part and asked.
"What do you mean you're not here for us? You're always here for me, my Pikachu, and any other Pokemon you can grab along the way.
What are you really planning?"
To which the trio laughed at this unsettling Ash, who was now more worried than ever, "What's so funny?"
"Oh, we're looking for Pokemon in Johto; we just ain't interested in you and that stupid Pikachu anymore. We got important things to do that don't include you, that's all I can tell you for now.' Meowth explained.
"We were told to focus our efforts elsewhere and not waste our time trying to steal Pikachu. The water starter was meant to be more valuable than Pikachu, but honestly, he ain't worth the trouble."
As they kept their word and released Totodile, who promptly went to Ash and Co.'s protection for now.
"Keep an eye out, twerp. Cause this won't be the last time we will be here in Johto, just not following you." James declared as he sent out Weezing and creates a massive Smokescreen as they get away in their hot air balloon just as Officer Jenny and the police of New Bark Town arrived. This left Ash and the others speechless, especially Totodile. He truly didn't expect them to release him just like that.
"I was wrong to assume they were unintelligent for not showing interest in me," Totodile stated before feeling a hand on his head. It was a soothing touch.
"Hey, buddy. I'm happy you're safe. I'm sorry you had to deal with Team Rocket. They're the worst. How about we get you back to the Lab for now? Is that OK?"
Ash asked the Totodile. There was something about this boy, and he knew he could trust him. Totodile asked to be picked up and felt at ease with the boy's arms around him. Interestingly, Totodile felt more of a connection with Ash than with his soon-to-be trainer, whom he had only spoken to on the phone.
"Let's get you back home." And with that everyone returned to New Bark Town. When arriving at Professor Elm's lab, Ash handed Totodile to Nurse Joy.
"Here you go. It seems like he was by a group of evil doers called Team Rocket, who were initially interested in him until he chewed off a large part of one of the member's hair." Brock explained to Nurse Joy as Ash was more curious about what James and Meowth had said.
'Were they truly going to leave us be? We're the days of looking over his shoulder and them trying to steal Pikachu finally done? If so, what harm could do they do to the region if left unchecked? Before they could contain the chaos they would try and cause and blast them off repeatedly but now…'
"Are you contemplating what Team Rocket is plotting, Ash?" Misty says to Ash, interrupting his thoughts. He nodded.
"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 a League Conference Challenge to conquer by earning badges." Misty reassured Ash.
'Maybe it's best to look forward.' Ash smiled at this.
"Thank you, Misty. Additionally, I wish for Totodile to have a more competent trainer." Ash said, looking at Totodile, whose gaze had never left Ash.
"The Professor is currently occupied with talking to Emily as we speak. He sees that Totodile may be interested in accompanying you, Ash, as it appeared happier with you than when it was with her." Nurse Joy petted Totodile's head and he wagged his tail in approval of the statement given. She remarks,
"Looks like he agrees with me, Ash." Suddenly the group heard what the Professor said.
"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 beamed as he informed the group.
"It was agreed that if he doesn't want to be a pet, he can choose his trainer instead of being assigned one." Professor Elm explained, causing Ash, his companions, and Totodile to breathe a collective 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 finished as Totodile was in agreement with him.
"Let's head to the Pokemon Center. I will register you for the Johto League Conference Challenge, and then we can work out the rest so that Totodile can join your team, Ash," Nurse Joy explained.
After arriving at the Center, Ash gave his Pokedex to Nurse Joy, who promptly registered him as an official Trainer eligible to participate in the Johto League's, now adequately named, Silver Conference. She returned the updated Pokedex to Ash and told him,
"You're all set, Ash. You're now officially registered for the Silver Conference. The League has also accepted the request to make you Totodile's Trainer."
Totodile cried out it's name in a pleased tone. This felt right.
"Here's Totodile's Pokeball, Ash."
This ball was unlike any regular they'd seen in Kanto and the Orange Archipelago. It was blue and red like a Great Ball but had a different design, including three yellow lines across the top.
"Oh, I gather you've never seen a Lure Ball. They're made by a famous Pokeball maker. His name is Kurt, and he lives in Azalea Town. You're bound to get there along the way of your journey. You should give him a visit." The Professor now have Ash the ball, who happily took it off the Professor's hands.
"Welcome to the team, Totodile." Ash communicated to Totodile, who acknowledged his new Trainer. Ash was pleased that Totodile preferred to stay with him and proceeded 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 north. If they don't take any detours, they should arrive in just a few weeks.
"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 said, making Brock chuckle. Ash laughed nervously.
And so Ash and the others leave New Bark Town as the sun sets after saying their goodbyes. With a new companion in Totodile, the possible relief that they're no longer a target of Team Rocket, and the registration complete for the Silver Conference, we leave our heroes as they venture towards Violet City as the journey continues…
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.