Post by WT on Sept 29, 2008 15:32:42 GMT 12
Episode 2: Team Breakup?
The sun was setting on the two hikers as they made their way down a dirt path. The pink and orange backdrop was growing darker, and pretty soon they’d be walking in blackness. Ash stopped and pulled out his newly received Pokédex, the blue light giving the two of them a bluish aura. He activated the map and scrolled across the region with a touch of his finger. Up the road there was supposedly a fork in the road, one leading to Mossy Town and the other to Serpintine City. The two hikers thought about their decision thoroughly.
At the same moment, a group of thieves fell from the sky and into a large willow tree, long tendrils of leaves drooping down from the thick branches as if with sadness. The group was Team Rocket, after just being defeated in an epic battle, they were exhausted.
Jesse leaned back on the branch, stretching, moaning in pain. James laid to her left, him too stretched out on a branch, pain racing through his body. Meowth was caught in the tree’s leaves, suspended in the air, high above the ground.
“I’m sick of this mess.” Jesse said.
“Me too, why are we always losing to little kids?” James asked, splayed across the branch.
They looked at Meowth, who was fighting the soulless leaves. He stopped and looked back at them. “What? It’s you’re Pokémon that always lose!” When his voice rose, it echoed in the distance.
“But Chimecho and Carnivine aren’t fighters. They have kind hearts…” James trailed off, looking down at the ground.
“Hey, my Pokémon are strong, it’s your plans that always get us into this mess!”
“My plans? No it’s not, you guys just don’t do them right!”
“No, they suck, that’s what it is!”
“No, you suck!”
“Well, if your plans don’t suck, then why is it that we have never, I mean never, had a Pokémon to send to the boss?”
“You know what? If you don’t appreciate all the hard work I put into those plans, then I’m through with you.” Meowth slashed at the tangled leaves and dropped to the ground, walking off into the underbrush, not once turning back.
Jesse and James watched him leave, rustling in the bushes and skipping over thorny vines.
“We don’t need him, right Jes—” Jesse jumped from the tree branch and started off down the trail.
James watched her storm off as he lay in the tree. They were like his family, and now they were gone. Then he heard a splintering sound. He looked down to see the branch breaking from underneath him. As he started to move to another branch, the one he was on fell from under him and so did he, his legs flying up as his body was thrown down. He landed on his back, throbbing pain attacking his body.
He sat up, trying to ignore the pain, looking around for where to go. His eyes fell on the dirt path and he got up. He made his way toward the dirt trail, moving the way Jesse went, hoping to cross paths with her.
Jesse slowed down once she reached a fork in the road. She quickly chose to go down the left deviation, moving with motivation to get as far away from her “ex-partners”.
Why did I ever bother? She thought as she moved down the winding path. The path curved left, and so did she; her long flowing hair bouncing s she turned. Her arms swung fiercely, back and forth like a pendulum. Her legs move in unison with her arms, left then right, dirt clouds billowing from her steps. She continued down the winding path, descending farther and farther into the forest. Her mind was twisted and muddled with the thoughts of angst. Never did she want to see those two again.
James moved down the path slowly, arms hanging by his sides, no emotion his small steps. It was as if he were a doll, his body limp, his heart broken.
He soon came across a split in the path, ‘a fork in the road’ as most would call it. He thought for a moment and turned down the right deviation. He moved slowly, eyes half-closed, back arched, body lowered. Then he heard a noise and a red flash lit up the slowly darkening area. It was Chimecho letting itself out of its pokéball.
Chimecho hovered to James’s neck and wrapped its cloth-like body around him. He turned to Chimecho and looked away. Chimecho frowned, but stayed on his neck as they walked down the path, alone.
Then they heard a noise, like crying, with short and quick gasps for air cutting the sobs off. A pain-like sensation was building up within the sobs. It sounded as if the thing was hurt. James quickened his pace and started for the sound.
He scrambled down the dirt path, taking long strides to find the poor, helpless creature making the sound. He stopped when he saw the Pokémon heaped up on the ground, crying on the side of the path. He moved toward it, Chimecho detaching itself from his neck. He bent over and touched the poor thing. It looked up at him, its arm raised in defense. He saw a deep cut in its arm, blood slowly spilling from it.
“You’re a Solshrub,” James said, taking its arm in his hands. “and you’re hurt.” He pulls out a piece of cloth from his pocket and wipes the blood from its green arm. It winces as he wipes all the crimson fluid from its arm. “It’ll be okay, Solshrub.” He looked over at Chimecho, who was hovering in the air, and commanded it to use Heal Bell.
Chimecho floated over to the Solshrub and wrapped its cloth-like body around its arm, covering the open wound. A kind of chime came from Chimecho as it closed its eyes. Then it unwrapped itself from the Solshrub and the wound was gone.
The Solshrub stared at its arm in astonishment.
“You take care of yourself, now.” James said as he stood up, towering over the tiny green Pokémon. They exchanged gazes as James started back down the pathway, into the forest.
Jesse sat on a rock, as the last of the colors in the sky faded to black. Her Pokémon were out and resting with her, Woobuffet sitting next to her on the rock. Seviper was coiled up on the ground, asleep and Yanmega was perched in a tree, staring at the blackening sky. Jesse crossed her arms and buried her head into her lap.
“We don’t need those fools.” She reminded herself. “We’re better off without them anyway.”
She stood up after a moment and stood still on the pathway. She turned around and looked at her lazy Pokémon. She frowned.
“Get off your lazy butts!” she screamed. Her Pokémon looked up at her and stayed awake, their eyelids heavy.
“Jesse? Why’re you so mean?” a voice said sarcastically from behind her. She turned to see a rather thin man with a rag of golden hair falling onto his face. He wore a blue uniform, with matching blue pants a set of red pokéballs attached to his black belt.
“Clyde.” Jesse sneered. “What do you want?” She looked at him, anger flaring in her eyes.
“Oh, I can’t just stop by and say ‘hello’ to my dear ole friend, Jesse?” again, sarcasm was in his voice.
“I know that’s not what you’re here for.” Jesse said to him, taking a step forward.
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m just here for some Pokémon. The boss sent me here to find some. When I was walking down this path, I thought I recognized you.” He chuckled. “And then I was thinking: ‘why, isn’t that Jesse?’ And it turned out that it was you.” He took a step back, stepping into the bushes. “Jesse, no need to stand so close, I have a bubble you know.” He chuckled again.
“Shut up,” Jesse said in a stage whisper.
“Oh, where’s your team? Did they figure out that you were a loser and got fed up with you? How sad.”
“Actually, quite the opposite,” She looked at him with a stern look. “I got fed up with them.”
“That’s even worse.” His voice still carried the sense of sarcasm.
“You’re a joke. I can take care of myself, my Pokémon are strong enough.”
“Oh, speaking of which, would you care to partner up with me? It seems that I’m in great need of a teammate.” He frowned, his bottom lip rolling out.
“Why would I do a crazy thing like that?” Jesse said, crossing her arms.
“Well, for one, I’ve managed to get heaps of Pokémon for Giovanni. How many have you given to Giovanni?”
Jesse stared back at him without saying a word.
“Exactly my point.” He said. “Now for point two. I’ve also caught plenty of strong Pokémon who could wipe your Pokémon out in an instant.”
“Prove it, then.” Jesse said.
He gripped his belt and turned it so she could see the three pokéballs attached to it. He grasped one and pulled on it, pulling it from the belt and holding it in his hand. He pinched the pokéball with two fingers and it grew bigger, then he threw it to the ground. A large bug emerged from it, then he did the same to another pokéball and a large bird emerged.
“An example would be these two, Stickwig,” he pointed to the large bug, “and Honchkrow.” He pointed to the large bird.
“Oh, they do look strong.” She whispered under her breath.
“So, will you take up my offer?”
“Why, though?”
“Because, with you and me on the same team; we’d be unstoppable.”
Meowth stirred in the underbrush.
He moved around, angry about the prickling thorns. They kept scratching at him. Each time he tried to avoid one; he just stepped on a different one. It was like they were taking over the world! They were everywhere!
He stepped over a thorn vine and onto the smooth soil. Then he heard a rustle in the bushes. He turned and saw a green figure appear. It was saying its name in a joyous tone: Solshrub. An apple in its left hand caught Meowth’s attention.
“I’m hungry” He moved forward, licking his lips.
James clutched the handle of the Pokémon Centre and opened the door, stepping inside to feel the warmth welcoming him.
He saw a woman standing behind the counter. She looked at him in fright and reached underneath the counter, gripping a wooden broom. He stepped back.
“I mean no harm; I’m just here to stay for the night.” James said, waving his hands.
“That’s not what I heard.” She tightened her grip on the broom.
“What did you hear?” he asked, perplexed by the idea of her hitting him with the broom.
“That you were coming to steal all of the Pokémon!” she shouted, her voice echoing in the lobby.
James stepped forward and Nurse Joy stepped back.
“Chansey,” she pleaded. A big pink Pokémon stepped into the lobby and looked at James. A red hue arrived at its face as it clenched its fists.
“Get out, or I’ll call security.”
“But—”
“I mean it!” Nurse Joy stepped forward, raising the broom.
“Alright, I’ll leave.” James said, stepping backwards through the door. He walked back to the path and continued walking through the night, Chimecho wrapped around his neck.
Meowth and Solshrub were sitting on the soft soil in a clearing. Bright pink flowers darted the brown dirt around them. Although they could barely see them, they were still pretty.
A few apples were sitting in front of them, crimson red and bright green. Meowth and Solshrub were talking quietly as the dim light of the moon shone through the treetops and down on them. Solshrub was speaking of a kind blue-haired man who helped it just a few moments before they met up. He was saying that the man had a Chimecho and how the Chimecho healed him, for he had a cut on his arm and it hurt very much. Solshrub was saying how this man just left him there and that he wants to find him and thank him.
This kind blue-haired man reminded Meowth of James. Then the memories of him and James flashed through his mind. He remembered how nice James was to him; how he never turned his back on him, and was always there for him. Solshrub made him want to find James too.
Jesse stood there with Clyde as they both leaned against the trees of the forest.
Jesse had just agreed to team up with him and was wondering if she’d regret saying yes.
“Battle me.” Clyde said, gripping his belt and turning to her.
“What?” she asked in disbelief.
“Battle me.” He repeated. “I want to see how strong your Pokémon are.” He unhooked one of his pokéballs from his belt and held it out.
“Sure,” she said, gripping one of her pokéballs.
“Double battle.” Clyde announced.
“Fine, just don’t cry when I beat you.” Jesse said jokingly.
Clyde threw his two pokéballs to the ground, releasing his Honchkrow and Stickwig. Honchkrow beat its wings against the air, lifting itself off the ground, as Stickwig scurried back and forth, ready to fight.
Jesse hurled her two pokéballs and with a red flash her Yanmega and Seviper appeared. Seviper let out a long hiss as Yanmega beat its wings in unison to Honchkrow, a look of menace in its eyes.
Then the battle began.
Clyde commanded Honchkrow to attack Yanmega with wing attack and Stickwig to attack Seviper with razor leaf, the two Pokémon lashing forward with obedience. Honchkrow sped through the air toward Yanmega, readying its wing.
Yanmega braced itself.
Stickwig scurried toward Seviper, moving its legs profusely, lowering its head and pointing its horn.
Seviper arched its body, ready to take the attack.
Jesse told Yanmega to dodge the attack and counter with sonicboom, then told Seviper to block the attack with poison tail. Yanmega sped forward, darting around Honchkrow with high celerity. It swung its abdomen and a strong wind struck Honchkrow, sending it falling to the ground.
Stickwig domed its back and ruffled its foliage, then shot a flurry of leaves at its opponent. Seviper’s tail glowed purple and with a swing, deflected the leaves. The green leaves fell to the ground, quickly turning brown as if the season altered in seconds.
“Good move.” Clyde said, before he directed Honchkrow to use dark pulse on Yanmega. “Now, for me to get a move in.”
Honchkrow flew up high and bent its head back, absorbing the darkness around it. It seemed as if the area was growing lighter. Dark particles surrounded Honchkrow, floating in the air, then, in seconds, a blast of energy was released from its beak and hit Yanmega square in the head. Yanmega shot backwards and hit a tree, falling to the ground, knocked out cold. A red graze could be seen where Yanmega was hit by the surge of energy. A red light surrounded the Pokémon and then it was gone.
Jesse looked at Clyde in disgust as she ordered Seviper to attack Honchkrow with bite. Seviper bent back and pitched forward, fangs protruding from its inflamed mouth. Stickwig scurried furthered itself from the battle, trying to back out.
“What’re you doing, you nasty beast?” Clyde shouted, Stickwig altered its direction and sped for the two colliding Pokémon.
Seviper threw its head to the left, confusing Honchkrow and then clamped down on its leg. It pulled down and Honchkrow hit the earth, shrieking as pain shot through its body. Jesse smirked as Seviper continued its hold on Honchkrow, blood seeping through the edges of its mouth. Cries of help escaped Honchkrow, as it pleaded for the pain to stop in its bird tone. Clyde had no understanding of what the Pokémon was saying, but ironically, ordered Stickwig to do something. Stickwig scuttled over to the clashing Pokémon, readying its horn for piercing the flesh.
Then it altered it speed, and flew across the ground, dirt clouds billowing from behind it as a large wind whipped up. A glint could be seen seconds before it pierced Seviper’s flesh. Seviper fell limp, trembling as it lay on the cold ground, crimson fluid spilling from its wound.
Stickwig dragged its horn out of its victim and staggered back a bit. Seviper made a gentle hiss, as if begging for the battle to be through with. Two bloodied souls lying on the ground, one unconscious, the other, scared to continue, but still, the battle dragged on. Seviper whipped its tail in the air, as it glowed lilac and collided it with Stickwig’s horn, slicing it, blood oozing from the gash. Stickwig took a step back, regaining its equilibrium. Jesse commanded Seviper to slash again, and it did, this time, slicing Stickwig’s leaf from its back. Blood poured on the ground, as Stickwig dropped to the dirty earth. Then its body went loose at all joints, all muscles shut down, its eyes closed, as Stickwig fell unconscious.
As Seviper turned in excitement to Jesse, a gust of wind lifted him from the ground and flung him into a tree. The now fragile snake looked up to see a large bird standing over him, the darkness shading it just right. The snake’s face dug into the ground as its body went limp.
The battle was over.
The field glowed red as the three Pokémon are returned to their pokéballs.
“You have a lot of potential to be a good fighter Jesse, but you need to know when it’s over for your Pokémon. You needed help, so you called on Seviper. It helped you out all the while, but once it got to it needing your help, you just kept asking for more.”
Jesse looked at her belt and smiled.
James walked down the path, bright luminescence shining down on him and Chimecho. Chimecho was wrapped around his neck still, trying to cheer him up with its constant rings. The bell-like Pokémon was still sad, for James was sad, and so it kept ringing, the chimes in its hollow head hitting against the inside, a soothing sound escaping it. Then there was a rustle in the bushes and Chimecho stopped and James stopped and they stared at the green foliage for a long time, until a cat and a green creature stepped from bushes and onto the pathway. They too stopped when they noticed James and Chimecho.
Four smiles lit the faces of the groups.
"James!" Meowth scampered over to his friend and leaped into his arms, his claws digging in deep into James's skin as he hugged him. James didn't mind, he was just happy to see his beloved companion. Then he noticed Solshrub, standing on the path, alone, staring back at James. It smiled when James noticed it and started waddling over to him.
"Solshrub, you came too?" the creature nodded as it stretched out its arms for a hug. James held it as Meowth jumped down and the Solshrub smiled.
But then something peculiar happened, it jumped from his arms and a look of anger appeared on its face. James pondered the fact that Solshrub looked mad and then a thought came to him. Solshrub wanted to battle. The Pokémon rolled its fingers into a fist and took a step back, strengthening its stance. James nodded as he reached for a pokéball, but Chimecho unwrapped its body and floated before him. Chimecho was ready to fight.
The battle began.
James had no time to think. Two tendrils lashed forward from Solshrub, whipping out at Chimecho, hitting it and sending it staggering back in the air. Chimecho let out a cry of pain, but shook the pain away as it floated toward the green creature. As James was about to say something, Chimecho let out a multicolored surge of energy from the chime within its head. It struck Solshrub dead on and sent it tumbling backward into the bushes. It returned moments later, ready for more.
"Chimecho, you know psybeam?" the Pokémon danced in the air, answering him with its way of saying 'yes'. James nodded and the battle continued.
Solshrub rolled to its left and a green ball started forming at its neck, as if electrical, it emitted a wave of heat, blurring the area around the ball.
James stared in amazement.
The ball was growing bigger and Chimecho was growing impatient. James commanded it to end the battle and Chimecho let out its multicolored surge once more, as Solshrub finished charging the green ball and let it loose. The ball was no match for the powerful surge. Solshrub lay on the ground, as it trembled to come to its feet.
James clutched a pokéball and pulled it from his belt, it grew bigger as he pinched it, then he threw it, taking the chance to claim Solshrub as his own. The ball enveloped Solshrub in a red light and then the Pokémon disappeared into the tiny sphere. The ball fell to the ground rocking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. James was growing tense as the ball continued to rock, then it stopped, and clicked.
Solshrub was his.
"Congrats to you, James." Meowth said, taking a step forward. "Now all we gotta do is find Jess, then everything'll end happily."
James stared at Meowth. What if he didn't want to find Jesse? But he nodded anyway and they started down the pathway, together.
As the night grew darker, Jesse and Clyde concealed themselves in the bushes.
They watched the Pokémon Centre as the doors opened and closed for trainers in need for a good night's rest. They were divising a scheme to take the many Pokémon within the large building.
"But this never works." Jesse whispered.
"Well, this time it will." Clyde added the finishing touches to his disguise and stood up, walking from the bushes. "Now, just wait for the signal." He made for the door in a run-walk sequence. Jesse sat in the thick foliage and waited for her chance to show him her skills.
He opened the door in a hurry, racing inside and ringing the bell that lay on the front desk. A woman with pink hair stepped from a doorway with a look of alarm on her face.
"There's a hurt Pokémon outside, it's so beat up. You've gotta help it Miss." he said with a sad tone deep within his voice. The woman ran out the door with a large pink creature right behind her. Clyde smirked, as the plan was going accordingly.
Jesse saw the two figures move with haste, with their emergency kits in hand, and pink wear on. She lurked in the shadows, waiting for them to step closer. As they moved in the direction Clyde was pointing to, she readied the net in hand, the thin strands of wire glinting in the moonlight.
She inched forward as the two figures neared, then, with a flick of the wrists, threw the net. The two figures fell to the earth, screaming. Jesse stepped from the bushes, looking at them for a moment, then running off toward the Centre. Once Jesse got inside, she made her way down a hall and into a dark room. She could see the outline of a figure toward the back of the room; it was holding a sack of some sort. Once she realized it was Clyde, she made her way toward him.
The plan was going well.
Very well.
James thought that Jesse might first go to the Pokémon Centre, maybe for rest, or even to steal all the Pokémon being held there. He didn’t know, he just wanted to find her. He stepped from the thicket of greens and onto the freshly cut grass of the Pokémon Centre. He started across the lawn, then stopped when he noticed a net containing two figures.
“Your stupid friends are in there.” A voice said from the netting. “You might as well join them in their excursion of taking all of the helpless Pokémon.” She fell silent.
James started for the door, ready to find Jesse.
He made his way down a dark hall, Meowth trudging along right beside him. They soon came to a room, the only room in the hall. He looked at Meowth before stepping through the open doorway.
It was dark. He felt along the wall for a switch, and soon found one, flipping it up and cutting on the lights, flooding the room with iridescence. He heard a pair of groans coming from the backside of the room, as if getting used to the light. He made his way toward the sound. Jesse stood there with a brown sack full of pokéballs.
“Get outta here James.” Jesse said, continuing to stuff the bag with pokéballs.
“James? Oh, it’s that loser?” He just noticed the other person, standing atop a crate. He remembered the face and thought. Then the name came to mind, it was Clyde.
He ignored Clyde and turned back to Jesse.
“Me and Meowth just want to get the team back together. We’re sorry, and will do better.”
“I’ve already said yes to Clyde, sorry.”
“Clyde? If I don’t know better myself, Clyde’s probably just using you.” Clyde stopped for a moment and then continued stuffing the brown sack with pokéballs.
“He’s not using me, right, Clyde?”
Clyde said nothing.
“Right, Clyde?” Her voice grew louder.
Clyde added the last ball to his bag, then swung it over his shoulder, leaping from the crate. He made into a mad dash for the door, not looking back, not once.
“Nobody uses me. Especially not a—” She stopped in mid-sentence as she ran out the door and started down the hallway, dropping the sack full of pokéballs.
Clyde beat his feet against the ground rapidly as he raced toward the forest ahead.
A brown sack was flung over his shoulder, and his back was arched a bit, supporting the heavy sack. He ran passed the netted figures, as they shouted for him to stop, but he ignored them, continuing toward the forest.
Then his name was called out and he looked up to see where it was coming from.
The roof. Two silhouettes were standing on the roof, hands on hips, chests stuck out, in triumph.
They began to chant:
Prepare from trouble
‘Cause it’s gonna come
To re-unite out team
Is what we’ve done
To denounce the evils of truth and love
To extend our reach to the stars above
Jesse, James, Meowth’s the name
You’re going nowhere with the lute
Just out of here with a boot
They both jumped down in unison, followed by a smaller figure who was in the shape of a cat.
“So, you’ve teamed back up with those losers?” Clyde asked in disbelief. “You’re so much better than them.”
“Shut it, Clyde. You won’t get away with this.”
“Oh, I won’t?”
“No.” Jesse clutched her pokéball.
Clyde clutched his.
“Get ready then, little Jess.” He pulled the two from his belt and threw them into the air, a large insect and a large bird emerging from the two balls. Jesse threw her pokéball to the ground and Seviper slithered on out, hissing in anger.
“You’re not doing this alone,” James said in a stage-whisper. Solshrub was now on the battle field, as well as Chimecho.
Jesse smiled.
The battle began.
Stickwig arched its back and a flurry of leaves sliced through the air, slashing at Chimecho and Solshrub, while Honchkrow lifted itself into the air and beat its wings powerfully, a gust a wind whipping up. Solshrub and Chimecho both pitched backwards from the impact, regaining their balance and readying themselves for battle.
Seviper darted to the right of the strong wind and lashed its purple-glowing tail forward, slashing Honchkrow. Blood spilled from the injured wing. The bleeding Solshrub tensed its body and a green ball started charging at its neck. The bloodied Chimecho floated in the air, ready to take orders from James.
Seviper lurched its head forward, fangs almost biting into Honchkrow, but the large bird jumped back, slapping the snake with its wing. Seviper rolled on the ground, then slinked into battle position, ready to attack.
The ball at Solshrub’s neck was almost done charging. Stickwig was scurrying on the ground, forgotten. Then buried under the rich soil and disappeared. Chimecho took notice to this and watched the ground intently readying its cloth-like structure. Mud splattered across the ground as the large insect exhumed itself. Chimecho lashed its cloth out and wrapped itself around the Stickwig’s leg, tightening itself like a boa.
The green ball was finished charging and collided with Stickwig, Chimecho detaching itself from it, as it tumbled into Honchkrow and they both hit Clyde. Then a multicolored surge escaped the chime within Chimecho’s head and struck the three, sending them crashing into the forest, strands of smoke billowing in the air from the impact zone.
The battle was over.
“Thank you ever so much.” The Nurse said, handing James a package from across the counter. “This is our thanks to Team Rocket for helping us. Again, we thank you. You must not be bad after all.”
James took the package and said his thanks and your welcome, then the three of them walked out the Centre door and started down the pathway. The team was back together; a happy ending.
They walked down the dirt pathway under the bright moon, looming overhead.
The sun was setting on the two hikers as they made their way down a dirt path. The pink and orange backdrop was growing darker, and pretty soon they’d be walking in blackness. Ash stopped and pulled out his newly received Pokédex, the blue light giving the two of them a bluish aura. He activated the map and scrolled across the region with a touch of his finger. Up the road there was supposedly a fork in the road, one leading to Mossy Town and the other to Serpintine City. The two hikers thought about their decision thoroughly.
At the same moment, a group of thieves fell from the sky and into a large willow tree, long tendrils of leaves drooping down from the thick branches as if with sadness. The group was Team Rocket, after just being defeated in an epic battle, they were exhausted.
Jesse leaned back on the branch, stretching, moaning in pain. James laid to her left, him too stretched out on a branch, pain racing through his body. Meowth was caught in the tree’s leaves, suspended in the air, high above the ground.
“I’m sick of this mess.” Jesse said.
“Me too, why are we always losing to little kids?” James asked, splayed across the branch.
They looked at Meowth, who was fighting the soulless leaves. He stopped and looked back at them. “What? It’s you’re Pokémon that always lose!” When his voice rose, it echoed in the distance.
“But Chimecho and Carnivine aren’t fighters. They have kind hearts…” James trailed off, looking down at the ground.
“Hey, my Pokémon are strong, it’s your plans that always get us into this mess!”
“My plans? No it’s not, you guys just don’t do them right!”
“No, they suck, that’s what it is!”
“No, you suck!”
“Well, if your plans don’t suck, then why is it that we have never, I mean never, had a Pokémon to send to the boss?”
“You know what? If you don’t appreciate all the hard work I put into those plans, then I’m through with you.” Meowth slashed at the tangled leaves and dropped to the ground, walking off into the underbrush, not once turning back.
Jesse and James watched him leave, rustling in the bushes and skipping over thorny vines.
“We don’t need him, right Jes—” Jesse jumped from the tree branch and started off down the trail.
James watched her storm off as he lay in the tree. They were like his family, and now they were gone. Then he heard a splintering sound. He looked down to see the branch breaking from underneath him. As he started to move to another branch, the one he was on fell from under him and so did he, his legs flying up as his body was thrown down. He landed on his back, throbbing pain attacking his body.
He sat up, trying to ignore the pain, looking around for where to go. His eyes fell on the dirt path and he got up. He made his way toward the dirt trail, moving the way Jesse went, hoping to cross paths with her.
Jesse slowed down once she reached a fork in the road. She quickly chose to go down the left deviation, moving with motivation to get as far away from her “ex-partners”.
Why did I ever bother? She thought as she moved down the winding path. The path curved left, and so did she; her long flowing hair bouncing s she turned. Her arms swung fiercely, back and forth like a pendulum. Her legs move in unison with her arms, left then right, dirt clouds billowing from her steps. She continued down the winding path, descending farther and farther into the forest. Her mind was twisted and muddled with the thoughts of angst. Never did she want to see those two again.
James moved down the path slowly, arms hanging by his sides, no emotion his small steps. It was as if he were a doll, his body limp, his heart broken.
He soon came across a split in the path, ‘a fork in the road’ as most would call it. He thought for a moment and turned down the right deviation. He moved slowly, eyes half-closed, back arched, body lowered. Then he heard a noise and a red flash lit up the slowly darkening area. It was Chimecho letting itself out of its pokéball.
Chimecho hovered to James’s neck and wrapped its cloth-like body around him. He turned to Chimecho and looked away. Chimecho frowned, but stayed on his neck as they walked down the path, alone.
Then they heard a noise, like crying, with short and quick gasps for air cutting the sobs off. A pain-like sensation was building up within the sobs. It sounded as if the thing was hurt. James quickened his pace and started for the sound.
He scrambled down the dirt path, taking long strides to find the poor, helpless creature making the sound. He stopped when he saw the Pokémon heaped up on the ground, crying on the side of the path. He moved toward it, Chimecho detaching itself from his neck. He bent over and touched the poor thing. It looked up at him, its arm raised in defense. He saw a deep cut in its arm, blood slowly spilling from it.
“You’re a Solshrub,” James said, taking its arm in his hands. “and you’re hurt.” He pulls out a piece of cloth from his pocket and wipes the blood from its green arm. It winces as he wipes all the crimson fluid from its arm. “It’ll be okay, Solshrub.” He looked over at Chimecho, who was hovering in the air, and commanded it to use Heal Bell.
Chimecho floated over to the Solshrub and wrapped its cloth-like body around its arm, covering the open wound. A kind of chime came from Chimecho as it closed its eyes. Then it unwrapped itself from the Solshrub and the wound was gone.
The Solshrub stared at its arm in astonishment.
“You take care of yourself, now.” James said as he stood up, towering over the tiny green Pokémon. They exchanged gazes as James started back down the pathway, into the forest.
Jesse sat on a rock, as the last of the colors in the sky faded to black. Her Pokémon were out and resting with her, Woobuffet sitting next to her on the rock. Seviper was coiled up on the ground, asleep and Yanmega was perched in a tree, staring at the blackening sky. Jesse crossed her arms and buried her head into her lap.
“We don’t need those fools.” She reminded herself. “We’re better off without them anyway.”
She stood up after a moment and stood still on the pathway. She turned around and looked at her lazy Pokémon. She frowned.
“Get off your lazy butts!” she screamed. Her Pokémon looked up at her and stayed awake, their eyelids heavy.
“Jesse? Why’re you so mean?” a voice said sarcastically from behind her. She turned to see a rather thin man with a rag of golden hair falling onto his face. He wore a blue uniform, with matching blue pants a set of red pokéballs attached to his black belt.
“Clyde.” Jesse sneered. “What do you want?” She looked at him, anger flaring in her eyes.
“Oh, I can’t just stop by and say ‘hello’ to my dear ole friend, Jesse?” again, sarcasm was in his voice.
“I know that’s not what you’re here for.” Jesse said to him, taking a step forward.
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m just here for some Pokémon. The boss sent me here to find some. When I was walking down this path, I thought I recognized you.” He chuckled. “And then I was thinking: ‘why, isn’t that Jesse?’ And it turned out that it was you.” He took a step back, stepping into the bushes. “Jesse, no need to stand so close, I have a bubble you know.” He chuckled again.
“Shut up,” Jesse said in a stage whisper.
“Oh, where’s your team? Did they figure out that you were a loser and got fed up with you? How sad.”
“Actually, quite the opposite,” She looked at him with a stern look. “I got fed up with them.”
“That’s even worse.” His voice still carried the sense of sarcasm.
“You’re a joke. I can take care of myself, my Pokémon are strong enough.”
“Oh, speaking of which, would you care to partner up with me? It seems that I’m in great need of a teammate.” He frowned, his bottom lip rolling out.
“Why would I do a crazy thing like that?” Jesse said, crossing her arms.
“Well, for one, I’ve managed to get heaps of Pokémon for Giovanni. How many have you given to Giovanni?”
Jesse stared back at him without saying a word.
“Exactly my point.” He said. “Now for point two. I’ve also caught plenty of strong Pokémon who could wipe your Pokémon out in an instant.”
“Prove it, then.” Jesse said.
He gripped his belt and turned it so she could see the three pokéballs attached to it. He grasped one and pulled on it, pulling it from the belt and holding it in his hand. He pinched the pokéball with two fingers and it grew bigger, then he threw it to the ground. A large bug emerged from it, then he did the same to another pokéball and a large bird emerged.
“An example would be these two, Stickwig,” he pointed to the large bug, “and Honchkrow.” He pointed to the large bird.
“Oh, they do look strong.” She whispered under her breath.
“So, will you take up my offer?”
“Why, though?”
“Because, with you and me on the same team; we’d be unstoppable.”
Meowth stirred in the underbrush.
He moved around, angry about the prickling thorns. They kept scratching at him. Each time he tried to avoid one; he just stepped on a different one. It was like they were taking over the world! They were everywhere!
He stepped over a thorn vine and onto the smooth soil. Then he heard a rustle in the bushes. He turned and saw a green figure appear. It was saying its name in a joyous tone: Solshrub. An apple in its left hand caught Meowth’s attention.
“I’m hungry” He moved forward, licking his lips.
James clutched the handle of the Pokémon Centre and opened the door, stepping inside to feel the warmth welcoming him.
He saw a woman standing behind the counter. She looked at him in fright and reached underneath the counter, gripping a wooden broom. He stepped back.
“I mean no harm; I’m just here to stay for the night.” James said, waving his hands.
“That’s not what I heard.” She tightened her grip on the broom.
“What did you hear?” he asked, perplexed by the idea of her hitting him with the broom.
“That you were coming to steal all of the Pokémon!” she shouted, her voice echoing in the lobby.
James stepped forward and Nurse Joy stepped back.
“Chansey,” she pleaded. A big pink Pokémon stepped into the lobby and looked at James. A red hue arrived at its face as it clenched its fists.
“Get out, or I’ll call security.”
“But—”
“I mean it!” Nurse Joy stepped forward, raising the broom.
“Alright, I’ll leave.” James said, stepping backwards through the door. He walked back to the path and continued walking through the night, Chimecho wrapped around his neck.
Meowth and Solshrub were sitting on the soft soil in a clearing. Bright pink flowers darted the brown dirt around them. Although they could barely see them, they were still pretty.
A few apples were sitting in front of them, crimson red and bright green. Meowth and Solshrub were talking quietly as the dim light of the moon shone through the treetops and down on them. Solshrub was speaking of a kind blue-haired man who helped it just a few moments before they met up. He was saying that the man had a Chimecho and how the Chimecho healed him, for he had a cut on his arm and it hurt very much. Solshrub was saying how this man just left him there and that he wants to find him and thank him.
This kind blue-haired man reminded Meowth of James. Then the memories of him and James flashed through his mind. He remembered how nice James was to him; how he never turned his back on him, and was always there for him. Solshrub made him want to find James too.
Jesse stood there with Clyde as they both leaned against the trees of the forest.
Jesse had just agreed to team up with him and was wondering if she’d regret saying yes.
“Battle me.” Clyde said, gripping his belt and turning to her.
“What?” she asked in disbelief.
“Battle me.” He repeated. “I want to see how strong your Pokémon are.” He unhooked one of his pokéballs from his belt and held it out.
“Sure,” she said, gripping one of her pokéballs.
“Double battle.” Clyde announced.
“Fine, just don’t cry when I beat you.” Jesse said jokingly.
Clyde threw his two pokéballs to the ground, releasing his Honchkrow and Stickwig. Honchkrow beat its wings against the air, lifting itself off the ground, as Stickwig scurried back and forth, ready to fight.
Jesse hurled her two pokéballs and with a red flash her Yanmega and Seviper appeared. Seviper let out a long hiss as Yanmega beat its wings in unison to Honchkrow, a look of menace in its eyes.
Then the battle began.
Clyde commanded Honchkrow to attack Yanmega with wing attack and Stickwig to attack Seviper with razor leaf, the two Pokémon lashing forward with obedience. Honchkrow sped through the air toward Yanmega, readying its wing.
Yanmega braced itself.
Stickwig scurried toward Seviper, moving its legs profusely, lowering its head and pointing its horn.
Seviper arched its body, ready to take the attack.
Jesse told Yanmega to dodge the attack and counter with sonicboom, then told Seviper to block the attack with poison tail. Yanmega sped forward, darting around Honchkrow with high celerity. It swung its abdomen and a strong wind struck Honchkrow, sending it falling to the ground.
Stickwig domed its back and ruffled its foliage, then shot a flurry of leaves at its opponent. Seviper’s tail glowed purple and with a swing, deflected the leaves. The green leaves fell to the ground, quickly turning brown as if the season altered in seconds.
“Good move.” Clyde said, before he directed Honchkrow to use dark pulse on Yanmega. “Now, for me to get a move in.”
Honchkrow flew up high and bent its head back, absorbing the darkness around it. It seemed as if the area was growing lighter. Dark particles surrounded Honchkrow, floating in the air, then, in seconds, a blast of energy was released from its beak and hit Yanmega square in the head. Yanmega shot backwards and hit a tree, falling to the ground, knocked out cold. A red graze could be seen where Yanmega was hit by the surge of energy. A red light surrounded the Pokémon and then it was gone.
Jesse looked at Clyde in disgust as she ordered Seviper to attack Honchkrow with bite. Seviper bent back and pitched forward, fangs protruding from its inflamed mouth. Stickwig scurried furthered itself from the battle, trying to back out.
“What’re you doing, you nasty beast?” Clyde shouted, Stickwig altered its direction and sped for the two colliding Pokémon.
Seviper threw its head to the left, confusing Honchkrow and then clamped down on its leg. It pulled down and Honchkrow hit the earth, shrieking as pain shot through its body. Jesse smirked as Seviper continued its hold on Honchkrow, blood seeping through the edges of its mouth. Cries of help escaped Honchkrow, as it pleaded for the pain to stop in its bird tone. Clyde had no understanding of what the Pokémon was saying, but ironically, ordered Stickwig to do something. Stickwig scuttled over to the clashing Pokémon, readying its horn for piercing the flesh.
Then it altered it speed, and flew across the ground, dirt clouds billowing from behind it as a large wind whipped up. A glint could be seen seconds before it pierced Seviper’s flesh. Seviper fell limp, trembling as it lay on the cold ground, crimson fluid spilling from its wound.
Stickwig dragged its horn out of its victim and staggered back a bit. Seviper made a gentle hiss, as if begging for the battle to be through with. Two bloodied souls lying on the ground, one unconscious, the other, scared to continue, but still, the battle dragged on. Seviper whipped its tail in the air, as it glowed lilac and collided it with Stickwig’s horn, slicing it, blood oozing from the gash. Stickwig took a step back, regaining its equilibrium. Jesse commanded Seviper to slash again, and it did, this time, slicing Stickwig’s leaf from its back. Blood poured on the ground, as Stickwig dropped to the dirty earth. Then its body went loose at all joints, all muscles shut down, its eyes closed, as Stickwig fell unconscious.
As Seviper turned in excitement to Jesse, a gust of wind lifted him from the ground and flung him into a tree. The now fragile snake looked up to see a large bird standing over him, the darkness shading it just right. The snake’s face dug into the ground as its body went limp.
The battle was over.
The field glowed red as the three Pokémon are returned to their pokéballs.
“You have a lot of potential to be a good fighter Jesse, but you need to know when it’s over for your Pokémon. You needed help, so you called on Seviper. It helped you out all the while, but once it got to it needing your help, you just kept asking for more.”
Jesse looked at her belt and smiled.
James walked down the path, bright luminescence shining down on him and Chimecho. Chimecho was wrapped around his neck still, trying to cheer him up with its constant rings. The bell-like Pokémon was still sad, for James was sad, and so it kept ringing, the chimes in its hollow head hitting against the inside, a soothing sound escaping it. Then there was a rustle in the bushes and Chimecho stopped and James stopped and they stared at the green foliage for a long time, until a cat and a green creature stepped from bushes and onto the pathway. They too stopped when they noticed James and Chimecho.
Four smiles lit the faces of the groups.
"James!" Meowth scampered over to his friend and leaped into his arms, his claws digging in deep into James's skin as he hugged him. James didn't mind, he was just happy to see his beloved companion. Then he noticed Solshrub, standing on the path, alone, staring back at James. It smiled when James noticed it and started waddling over to him.
"Solshrub, you came too?" the creature nodded as it stretched out its arms for a hug. James held it as Meowth jumped down and the Solshrub smiled.
But then something peculiar happened, it jumped from his arms and a look of anger appeared on its face. James pondered the fact that Solshrub looked mad and then a thought came to him. Solshrub wanted to battle. The Pokémon rolled its fingers into a fist and took a step back, strengthening its stance. James nodded as he reached for a pokéball, but Chimecho unwrapped its body and floated before him. Chimecho was ready to fight.
The battle began.
James had no time to think. Two tendrils lashed forward from Solshrub, whipping out at Chimecho, hitting it and sending it staggering back in the air. Chimecho let out a cry of pain, but shook the pain away as it floated toward the green creature. As James was about to say something, Chimecho let out a multicolored surge of energy from the chime within its head. It struck Solshrub dead on and sent it tumbling backward into the bushes. It returned moments later, ready for more.
"Chimecho, you know psybeam?" the Pokémon danced in the air, answering him with its way of saying 'yes'. James nodded and the battle continued.
Solshrub rolled to its left and a green ball started forming at its neck, as if electrical, it emitted a wave of heat, blurring the area around the ball.
James stared in amazement.
The ball was growing bigger and Chimecho was growing impatient. James commanded it to end the battle and Chimecho let out its multicolored surge once more, as Solshrub finished charging the green ball and let it loose. The ball was no match for the powerful surge. Solshrub lay on the ground, as it trembled to come to its feet.
James clutched a pokéball and pulled it from his belt, it grew bigger as he pinched it, then he threw it, taking the chance to claim Solshrub as his own. The ball enveloped Solshrub in a red light and then the Pokémon disappeared into the tiny sphere. The ball fell to the ground rocking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. James was growing tense as the ball continued to rock, then it stopped, and clicked.
Solshrub was his.
"Congrats to you, James." Meowth said, taking a step forward. "Now all we gotta do is find Jess, then everything'll end happily."
James stared at Meowth. What if he didn't want to find Jesse? But he nodded anyway and they started down the pathway, together.
As the night grew darker, Jesse and Clyde concealed themselves in the bushes.
They watched the Pokémon Centre as the doors opened and closed for trainers in need for a good night's rest. They were divising a scheme to take the many Pokémon within the large building.
"But this never works." Jesse whispered.
"Well, this time it will." Clyde added the finishing touches to his disguise and stood up, walking from the bushes. "Now, just wait for the signal." He made for the door in a run-walk sequence. Jesse sat in the thick foliage and waited for her chance to show him her skills.
He opened the door in a hurry, racing inside and ringing the bell that lay on the front desk. A woman with pink hair stepped from a doorway with a look of alarm on her face.
"There's a hurt Pokémon outside, it's so beat up. You've gotta help it Miss." he said with a sad tone deep within his voice. The woman ran out the door with a large pink creature right behind her. Clyde smirked, as the plan was going accordingly.
Jesse saw the two figures move with haste, with their emergency kits in hand, and pink wear on. She lurked in the shadows, waiting for them to step closer. As they moved in the direction Clyde was pointing to, she readied the net in hand, the thin strands of wire glinting in the moonlight.
She inched forward as the two figures neared, then, with a flick of the wrists, threw the net. The two figures fell to the earth, screaming. Jesse stepped from the bushes, looking at them for a moment, then running off toward the Centre. Once Jesse got inside, she made her way down a hall and into a dark room. She could see the outline of a figure toward the back of the room; it was holding a sack of some sort. Once she realized it was Clyde, she made her way toward him.
The plan was going well.
Very well.
James thought that Jesse might first go to the Pokémon Centre, maybe for rest, or even to steal all the Pokémon being held there. He didn’t know, he just wanted to find her. He stepped from the thicket of greens and onto the freshly cut grass of the Pokémon Centre. He started across the lawn, then stopped when he noticed a net containing two figures.
“Your stupid friends are in there.” A voice said from the netting. “You might as well join them in their excursion of taking all of the helpless Pokémon.” She fell silent.
James started for the door, ready to find Jesse.
He made his way down a dark hall, Meowth trudging along right beside him. They soon came to a room, the only room in the hall. He looked at Meowth before stepping through the open doorway.
It was dark. He felt along the wall for a switch, and soon found one, flipping it up and cutting on the lights, flooding the room with iridescence. He heard a pair of groans coming from the backside of the room, as if getting used to the light. He made his way toward the sound. Jesse stood there with a brown sack full of pokéballs.
“Get outta here James.” Jesse said, continuing to stuff the bag with pokéballs.
“James? Oh, it’s that loser?” He just noticed the other person, standing atop a crate. He remembered the face and thought. Then the name came to mind, it was Clyde.
He ignored Clyde and turned back to Jesse.
“Me and Meowth just want to get the team back together. We’re sorry, and will do better.”
“I’ve already said yes to Clyde, sorry.”
“Clyde? If I don’t know better myself, Clyde’s probably just using you.” Clyde stopped for a moment and then continued stuffing the brown sack with pokéballs.
“He’s not using me, right, Clyde?”
Clyde said nothing.
“Right, Clyde?” Her voice grew louder.
Clyde added the last ball to his bag, then swung it over his shoulder, leaping from the crate. He made into a mad dash for the door, not looking back, not once.
“Nobody uses me. Especially not a—” She stopped in mid-sentence as she ran out the door and started down the hallway, dropping the sack full of pokéballs.
Clyde beat his feet against the ground rapidly as he raced toward the forest ahead.
A brown sack was flung over his shoulder, and his back was arched a bit, supporting the heavy sack. He ran passed the netted figures, as they shouted for him to stop, but he ignored them, continuing toward the forest.
Then his name was called out and he looked up to see where it was coming from.
The roof. Two silhouettes were standing on the roof, hands on hips, chests stuck out, in triumph.
They began to chant:
Prepare from trouble
‘Cause it’s gonna come
To re-unite out team
Is what we’ve done
To denounce the evils of truth and love
To extend our reach to the stars above
Jesse, James, Meowth’s the name
You’re going nowhere with the lute
Just out of here with a boot
They both jumped down in unison, followed by a smaller figure who was in the shape of a cat.
“So, you’ve teamed back up with those losers?” Clyde asked in disbelief. “You’re so much better than them.”
“Shut it, Clyde. You won’t get away with this.”
“Oh, I won’t?”
“No.” Jesse clutched her pokéball.
Clyde clutched his.
“Get ready then, little Jess.” He pulled the two from his belt and threw them into the air, a large insect and a large bird emerging from the two balls. Jesse threw her pokéball to the ground and Seviper slithered on out, hissing in anger.
“You’re not doing this alone,” James said in a stage-whisper. Solshrub was now on the battle field, as well as Chimecho.
Jesse smiled.
The battle began.
Stickwig arched its back and a flurry of leaves sliced through the air, slashing at Chimecho and Solshrub, while Honchkrow lifted itself into the air and beat its wings powerfully, a gust a wind whipping up. Solshrub and Chimecho both pitched backwards from the impact, regaining their balance and readying themselves for battle.
Seviper darted to the right of the strong wind and lashed its purple-glowing tail forward, slashing Honchkrow. Blood spilled from the injured wing. The bleeding Solshrub tensed its body and a green ball started charging at its neck. The bloodied Chimecho floated in the air, ready to take orders from James.
Seviper lurched its head forward, fangs almost biting into Honchkrow, but the large bird jumped back, slapping the snake with its wing. Seviper rolled on the ground, then slinked into battle position, ready to attack.
The ball at Solshrub’s neck was almost done charging. Stickwig was scurrying on the ground, forgotten. Then buried under the rich soil and disappeared. Chimecho took notice to this and watched the ground intently readying its cloth-like structure. Mud splattered across the ground as the large insect exhumed itself. Chimecho lashed its cloth out and wrapped itself around the Stickwig’s leg, tightening itself like a boa.
The green ball was finished charging and collided with Stickwig, Chimecho detaching itself from it, as it tumbled into Honchkrow and they both hit Clyde. Then a multicolored surge escaped the chime within Chimecho’s head and struck the three, sending them crashing into the forest, strands of smoke billowing in the air from the impact zone.
The battle was over.
“Thank you ever so much.” The Nurse said, handing James a package from across the counter. “This is our thanks to Team Rocket for helping us. Again, we thank you. You must not be bad after all.”
James took the package and said his thanks and your welcome, then the three of them walked out the Centre door and started down the pathway. The team was back together; a happy ending.
They walked down the dirt pathway under the bright moon, looming overhead.
