On The Wings of Council
*Award Winner*
     
The Wrath of Brock

A Night at the Rocket's

Crazee Halloween

Channel Surfing with Ash Misty and Brock

Titanic/ Team Rocket Crossover

A Pokemon Fairy Tale

Nutragrain

Nutragrain 2

Pokemon Mental Cases

Sugar Shock

A Foxy Dilemma

On the Wings of Council

Partners In Crime

Pokemon Poetry

The Birth of Mantespe

The Great Dragonite Fight Series

  
Rated PG for Some Violence and Language
By: Topaz
Page 1

The Essay
My heart skipped a beat.

The entry form had finally been admitted into the Sunday mail. Every year, the great professors of the Kanto League, Johto League and the Orange League offered the chance of a lifetime, the chance to become one of the 10 official Pokemon trainers each year. I immediately began to fill out the form before my brother could snatch it from my grasp.

Name: Topaz Matthews Gender: Female

Age: 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

I paused at this. Apparently, if I ever had the chance to become a trainer this was it. 10 and 11 year olds were too young to be able to look after themselves out on their own so they made poor candidates for the prize, while 15 year and 16 year olds began to lose interest in the idea of becoming a Master. I ticked 14 years of age

Pokemon License Number: 4823689

Area: Orange Archipelago Town: Crimson Island

Address: 39 Gulligal St.

Below this information were two pages of 1 cm spaced lines. It was for the essay we were meant to write. It would eventually be judged by the three leading Pokemon researches in the world. After a long time I began to write the same essay I wrote every year, the paper that could be my ticket to the world of Pokemon.


To Be a Master

To me, being a Pokemon Master is not just being the master of trainers and Pokemon but the Master of self-discipline and self-respect. A Master of friendship and.....…


After finishing the thousand-word essay I sealed it and my entry form into an envelope and prepared myself for the long wait that would follow.


I Won!

In the weeks that followed I thought of nothing but my entry and what could ensue. I watched the news for any clue could deem me the winner. Everyday I day I searched the mail for the Official Pokemon League envelope telling me good luck and try again next year or that I was the one of the lucky ten. If I'd learnt anything in my fourteen years of life, other than its only time to go home when you're having fun, is time travel slowest when you're waiting. Seconds felt like minutes, minutes felt like hours and hours felt like an eternity.

Then it came, the envelope that would make or break me. It looked no different then it had any other year. The stamp of Lance of the Elite Four and his Dragonite in the top right corner, the crisp crystal blue stationery and the neatly typed address on the back.

You know how they say in books that their heart sunk, well mine kind of deflated like a balloon. This didn't look like the letter of a winner. I sat on my bed for god knows how long till I had the guts to open it. I carefully slit the envelope open and removed the Pokemon patterned stationary and started to skim through it.
Hello Topaz

Thank you for your entry in the Trainers

Challenge.....Impressive and moving

essay.......Accepted into....Sheet

enclosed.....Good Luck

There it was, good luck and try again. Hang on! My mind warped as I reread it more carefully.
Hello Topaz,

Thank you for your entry in the Trainers Challenge. Your essay was an impressive and moving essay. Professor Oak, Professor Ivy and Professor Elm have accepted your extraordinary essay into the lucky ten. All information on when and where you can pick up your prize is on the enclosed sheet. Good luck in attending and hope to see you soon.

Melissa Hobbs

Melissa Hobbs

Pokemon League Chancellor

I leapt from my bed and whooped an almighty victory cry. My family burst into to see what was to matter only to behold me dancing around my room like I'd found the answer to the meaning of life.

"Topaz, have you flipped because you weren't accepted," Scotty asked as I yipped again.

I turned to face my family and said with a triumphant grin, "I'm accepted!" Then in a wavering voice, realizing what it meant. "My essay was accepted by the Pokemon League. I'm going to be a Pokemon Trainer." Scott jumped across the too, to congratulate me but I noticed my mum and dad lagging by the door. The three of us knew I was leaving home. Than regaining her composure my mother stepped forward,

"Congratulations honey."

"Thanks mum."


That night I lay in bed pondering the information I'd learnt that afternoon. One of my few talents is my good memory and I already knew the sheet by heart. It said that I could pick up my prize in New Bark town a month from now. My thoughts lingered on the word prize. It was everything a trainer could ask for and more. A backpack, twenty Pokeballs, ten Greatballs, five Ultraballs, an elusive Masterball, a state of the art Pokedex, cell phone, collapsible bike, potions, revives, antidotes, maps and a voucher for free registration in the Johto League. The pack was awesome but that wasn't what my mind was focused on.

I had the choice of ten different Pokemon from all parts of the globe. The two grass types, Bulbasaur and Chikorita, the fire duo Charmander and Cindaquil, Totodile and Squirtle the water Pokemon, the thundering dynamos Mareep and Pichu or the baby Pokemon Cleffa and Igglybuff.

"Which one," I mused to myself as my eyelids began to close. Which one?

On My Way
The thought tumbled through my head countless time over the month. The waiting began again, but it was more relaxed. I spent time with my family and friends who I'd leave behind when I left on my journey. Than the night before I left my parents held a huge celebration in my honour. Tons of guest were invited to bid me farewell, friends I probably wouldn't see for a while after I left on my journey the next day.


"Beeep, beeep, beeep, beeep." I raised my head of my pillow to see the numbers 6:00 flashing in neon red lights.

"Bloody hell," I muttered to myself. I was never a morning person. It was a very rare an occasion when you got me up before 8:30 on a weekend. I then recalled why I'd set my alarm. That got me going, quick smart. I carefully put my long black hair in a Ponyta tail and slipped it through the hole in the back of my official orange and black Orange Island League cap. I pulled on my matching T-shirt, with built in Pokeball clips, and shorts. I rechecked my backpack and remembered.

"Watch!" I frowned as I searched my room for it. I tossed bits and pieces aside and rummaged through the draws till it looked like a Gyarados had come and used its Dragon Rage.

"Ahem," a voice coughed behind me I turned to see Scott dangling the watch.

"Heh heh," I said Mareepishly as he glanced at the state of my room. "Left it in the bathroom again?"

Scott nodded. "Have you decided on what Pokemon your going to choose?"

"I've narrowed it down to Totodile, Charmander or Mareep."

"Time to go Topaz," my mothers voice rang from the hallway. I looked at the comforts of my room, knowing I wouldn't be seeing it for a long time.

"Don't worry, I'll clean it up."

"More like clean it out so you can have it," I joked. "I'll call you as soon as I get my new Pokemon!"

"Topaz!"

"Coming mum," I sighed and then whispered to Scotty with a sly smile. "I'll send ya a Pokemon as soon as you get your License!"

I don't remember much about the flight other then being long and tedious. The man beside me snored and the kid behind me kept kicking my seat and than got in trouble for wringing his scrawny little neck. That's justice for you.

I read my book and slept. When I woke up I was in New Bark Town.


I Choose You
I glanced at my watch, 8:13, and six minutes since I last checked. I started to pace again. Back and forth, back and forth. I looked at my watch again. 8:16. I growled in frustration.

I arrived in New Bark Town late yesterday evening dog-tired. After a quick meal and some studying, I fell asleep. Then this morning I woke up at 7:30, I dressed and waited for 9:00 to come when I was to meet at Professor Elm's Laboratory then rechecked my bag and waited some more. At 7:45 I got tired of waiting and made my way towards the Lab. A door slam roused me from my thoughts to see a lanky blond boy getting out of the taxi. I stared at him curiously. He was a rival trainer and I didn't know if I should be nice to him.

I was never good at making friends and most people disgusted me. That was another thing for me to think about, should I remain by myself or choose a companion for my journey. I guess I'd just cross that bridge when I'd come to it.

"Hi, I'm Matthew," he said holding out his hand.

I hesitated. "Topaz," I replied with a firm grasp.

"Where are you from, Topaz."

"Crimson Island in the Orange Archipelago." I think he saw I wasn't interested and turned his attention towards the trainers now appearing from around the corner, a boy and a girl arguing with each other. The boy walked with a self-confident stride as he tossed his sandy blond hair to one side. The girl yelled back just as loud, her shoulder length blonde hair flying in all directions.

Spirited, I reflected.

Over the hour another seven kids rolled up, four boys five girls including me. Where's the tenth kid, I thought. There turned out to be three kids from Kanto, three from Johto and another from the Orange Islands.

When I glanced at my watch as saw it was 8:48. "Yes!" I cried, causing the others to stare at me. "Two more minutes," I said awkwardly.

"Not quite," a voice said behind me. I spun around to face Professor Oak the leading researcher in Pokemon evolution.

"Please come in," he smiled.

I waited for the rest to go in but as I began to follow two hands shoved me roughly aside.

When I looked up I saw a huge kid. Not really fat, but well muscled with long red hair and a sneer on his face. "Me first," he smirked. Without thinking, my leg shot out. The boy hit the ground with a loud thwack.

"8.6 on the Richter scale!" I cried and heard cackles from within.

He stumbled to his feet and snatched me by my shirt. "Why you little..." he started and I grinned back in my smart aleck way.

"Ahh, Tobias. I see you made it," Professor Oak said from the doorway. "Your Aunt is waiting for you inside." Of course, Professor Ivy is his aunt. It was kind of obvious. The kid looked like he couldn't even tie his shoes, let alone become the worlds greatest Pokemon Master.

"It escapes me how such a brilliant mind could be related to such a buffoon," Professor Oak muttered to me. I nodded in agreement. "You had better come inside uh."

"Topaz," I provided.

"Topaz. It's almost time to announce the winners, and you won't want to miss that."

As I followed him through the door I saw my prize. At the back of the room, the other contestants were playing with the Pokemon. Each Pokemon was in a glass box, only without a lid so we could reach in and pet them. Without waiting I surged forward to find the Pokemon for me.

On each case was a status board telling about the Pokemon's Pokedex, temperament, and status. I made my way over to a glass case. Inside was Mareep, a sheepish Pokemon.

"Mareep, the static Pokemon.

Type: Electric Height: 2,0 Weight: 17lbs.

Temperament: These Pokemon is known to be loyal companions

Status: Male Level: 5 Attacks: Tackle Growl Thundershock"

Interesting, loyalty was what I would need from my Pokemon on my journey. He waddled over and latched his paws over the glass. I reached to stroke his yellow fluff it was so soft. A bump on my left indicated the line was moving. As I stepped forward and glanced inside the case. Nothing there!

After a closer examination of the area I saw the Pokemon hiding behind a large stone. She was a cute little thing, the tips of her ears were a blackish brown giving contrast to the rest of her pink body and the pink curl which reminded me of her evolution, Clefairy.

"Cleffa, the fairy Pokemon.

Type: Normal Height: 11 inches Weight: 6lbs.

Temperament: Very shy, takes a while to trust its trainer

Status: Female Level: 5 Attacks: Sing Charm Pound"

A timid Pokemon wasn't good in battle. Then I guess this precious little Pokemon wasn't for me.

Behind her was Igglybuff, the devolution of Jigglypuff. His elastic-like skin smooth against me. He bounced up and down in excitement when I picked it up and struggled to escape from my arms towards a girl up ahead. If it really liked her I guess I should leave him be.

After placing him back in his case I moved forward again. This time the Pokemon was Pichu, devolution of Pikachu. He looked quite a bit like his older sibling only his ears were considerably larger. I scratched it behind the ear. Zap! A jolt of electricity coursed through my body making my hair stand on end and leaving me like a crisp chip. The Pokemon giggled at my frazzled appearance. I sighed, I didn't need that on my every time I touched him, and progressed to the next one.

The Charmander in the next glass case paced and waved its flamed tail about. I guess it was as impatient as I was. When it saw me it breathed a puff of smoke and turned its back. I sighed a little disappointed. If I couldn't have Totodile, I wanted a Charmander. If it didn't want to be with me or listen to what I say, what was the point?

A Totodile! "Totodile," he squawked in a voice very much like Donald Ducks and rubbed his head against the glass. This was the Pokemon I wanted to take with me.

"Totodile, the Bigjaw Pokemon.

Type: Water Height: 2,0 Weight: 21lbs.

Temperament: Friendly, good for beginning trainer

Status: Male Level: 5 Attacks: Scratch Leer Rage,"

It squawked again, raised himself over the glass and leapt into my arms. The sweet little thing made himself comfortable. "I'll make you mine."

I reluctantly handed him over to the girl behind me and was little jealous when the Totodile was playing with her hair. The next Pokemon was a Bulbasaur, I didn't know much about him as he came from the Kanto region. It resembled a bluish dinosaur with a dark green plant bulb on its back.

"Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokemon.

Type: grass Height: 2,0 Weight: 23lbs.

Temperament: Stubborn.

Status: Male Level: 5 Attacks: Tackle Growl Vinewhip,"

His counterpart was right in front of him, a Chikorita. She waved her leaf-plumed head to grab my attention. She didn't seem like a bad choice, if fact I heard this grass type was very dependable. I'd keep Chikorita in mind.

The Squirtle lay tucked in her shell asleep, oblivious to the activity around it. Suddenly a hiss sounded from the glass case beside me and I finally noticed Tobias. He was poking what could only be a Cindaquil, with its yellow breast blue back and flaming quills, with his long stubby finger. The Cindaquil was backed up against the glass her back towards him streaming fire.

"I like a Pokemon with spirit, your mine you little rat." Tobias poked her one last time in the stomach, laughed at her squeal and moved on.

You'll get yours pig, I'll make sure of that I fumed to myself.

People back home were always saying how strange it was that someone so small and slight could have the temper of a Charizard. I turned my attention back to the Cindaquil. She was cowering in the far corner, shacking. A lifted her out of the glass and held her tight, petting her till she had calmed down. It was then I decided to take choose her.

"People," Professor Ivy's voice rang out. "Its time to announce the winners!" We quickly put the Pokemon back and scrambled for a good view. When everyone was seated

Professor Elm stood up.

"I know you kids don't want to be bored by a long speech but I'd like to congratulate you on your amazing essays. I think each one touched a special place in our hearts," he said indicating to the other two Professors. "Its now time for the moment you've been waiting for. When I call your name, please select a Pokemon, come to Professor Oak for your Pokeball and select your corresponding backpack." For the first time I noticed the various colour packs. It was amazing that with all the items inside that it wasn't bulging. It seemed there was even more room for more. A good thing to because once I was done with it I wouldn't have even fitted a matchstick inside one of the many pockets.

"First prize," Ivy announced. "Goes to Adam Purves!" It was the boy I saw arguing with the girl this morning who just happened to be sitting next to me.

"Another achievement for Mr. Perfect," she snickered to me. I gave her a blank look. "We both come from Vermilion City, he always wins everything and all the teachers love him."

I grinned at this; the girl didn't seem half bad.

We both turned our attention to Adam who was walking confidently towards the Grass section.

"I hope he doesn't take Chikorita," the girl said, looking worried. But she didn't have to because Adam passed by Chikorita to stand by Bulbasaur and claimed in a strong voice, "I choose Bulbasaur." I caught a couple of disappointed faces as Professor Oak handed him a shiny emerald green Pokeball and picked up the matching backpack. He and Bulbasaur returned to their seat.

"Second Prize is awarded to Sumalee Erben!" The Asian looking girl with shoulder length black hair with bright red streaks strode forward to choose...Totodile. I was a little let down. Oh well, I thought I already have a Pokemon if Cindaquil isn't chosen. Sumalee, satisfied with her choice, took the luminous lapis blue Pokeball and bag.

"Third Prize was won by Ashlee Middleton!" The blond girl darted ahead and lifted Chikorita out of its case as if afraid at the last moment someone would take her.

"I pick Chikorita!"

"Chika," she cried, delighted with her new trainer. Ashlee returned beside me with her Pokemon, a glossy green Pokeball and pack.

"Congratulations on your new Pokemon, Ashlee," I said inspecting Chikorita.

"Yeah," Adam laughed, now beside her. "Now we have something new to compete over."

I looked up to see a short boy by the name of Ryan Reathmuller choose Charmander which welcomed him with open arms. He was passed an Orange Pokeball as bright as the others. "Winner of Fifth Prize, is Topaz Matthews!" I steadily got up and walked to the Cindaquil, which was still cowering in the corner.

"Shhh," I cooed picking her up softly a caressed her head. "I'll look after you!"

"Hey you little bitch!" It was Tobias. "That's my Pokemon!" He jumped up from where he was sitting and tried to snatch the Cindaquil from my arms but Cindaquil reacted like lightning. She turned towards Tobias and a tongue of flame leapt to lick his unprotected face. He stumbled back, the blaze narrowly missing him, but singeing is long red hair.

"I think Cindaquil has made its choice, Tobias. Give up or you'll be sorry, I'll make sure of that," I said coldly.

"You'll be the one whose sorry, bitch," he hissed scrambling away lest Cindaquil attack again.

"Go back to your seat now or WE'LL DISQUALIFY YOU FOR THIS APPALLING BEHAVIOR," Professor Elm roared.

With one last, chilling glare, Tobias sat back down to wait for his turn. I chose my Crimson metallic Pokeball and Backpack and sat back down.

"You were incredible, Cindaquil," I murmured to her.

Ashlee poked me and pointed to where Tobias sat glowering. "I think you've made yourself an enemy Topaz. Tobias has it in for you."

"He can take a ticket. Besides Cindaquil will be there, eh Cindaquil?"

Cindaquil gazed up at me and licked my face. Her eyes said it all.

"Sixth goes to Matthew Gammel," Professor Ivy announced, a blush in her cheek because her nephew had embarrassed her.

Matthew was a little unsure of himself. He paced between the sleeping Squirtle and the sparking Pichu. Finally he reached over the glass to select, Pichu. He was most likely thinking of the current champion of the Elite Four, Ash Ketchum, who had started with Pikachu. As he touched Pichu, his eyes widened. He'd been shocked too. A polished yellow Pokeball and pack was now his. Every now and again I'd his eyes would bulge and a spark of lightning would rip through his blond hair.

"Seventh Prize is presented to Tiffany Hill!" She stepped towards the case that held Cleffa. But the timid little Pokemon wouldn't leave her crevice behind the rock.

"Try this," Professor Elm said handing her a piece of apple. Tiffany tried again and this time the she happily seized the apple. Tiffany carefully lifted her clear of the case and received her pinkish Pokeball.

"Eighth is Sky Erbacker," Now there were only three Pokemon left, Mareep Igglybuff and Squirtle. Sky chose Mareep the sheep. After accepting a Gold Pokeball and pack, the two returned to their seat.

Kylie Zwiske won Ninth and didn't even have to walk the entire length of the room to reach her Pokemon. Igglybuff bounced out of the glass, but as Igglybuffs skin is extra rubbery so when it hit the floor it ricocheted off and bounced on all directions.

"Bulbasaur, grab Igglybuff with your Vinewhip!"

"You to, Chikorita!"

"Totodile, when I throw you up grab him!"

"Get him, Charmander."

Voices and Vinewhips were everywhere. Igglybuff recoiled of anything and everything. People tripping forward or falling back. Cindaquil and me huddled in the corner and every now and again I'd feel the burn of her backflame because of her panic. When order was restored, Igglybuff and a strawberry pink Pokeball were handed to her.

"Last but not least Tobias Morris." Tobias stomped forward and grabbed the still snoring Squirtle. Squirtle awoke and not liking his trainer's rough handling he blasted him with a torrent of water.

"You little snot!" Tobias snarled prepared to hurl him at a near by wall.

"DON'T YOU DARE!" Professor Ivy yelled at her nephew. "I've had enough humiliation for one day and if you don't treat your Pokemon properly you won't get one!"

Intimidated by his Aunt, he stayed his temper a recalled Squirtle into his turquoise Pokeball.

"Now that you have you Pokemon," Professor Oak said, breaking the awkward silence. "You may go. You have been registered in the Johto League and have our numbers programmed into your cell phones if ever you need us."

The new trainers hurried out the door, but Adam, Ashlee and I lingered behind, packing my clothes and other things into my backpack. Amazingly I still had enough room for Cindaquil to sit in a small pocket at the front.

"Ring Ring Ring Ring!"

"Don't worry its mine," Professor Elm said and answered the phone. "Hello Mr. Pokemon, yes I've just sent out the next batch of trainers. What? You don't say, you don't say. Uh huh, uh huh. You don't say! I'll send someone right over." He hung up the phone.

"What did Mr Pokemon say?" Professor Ivy inquired.

"He didn't say," he said attempting the lame joke. He turned to Adam, Ashlee and I. "Would you be able to do me a favour?" We nodded and Elm continued. "That was Mr

Pokemon. He lives North of Cherrygrove City and has made an interesting discovery and I'm too busy. If you could please go and bring it back I would be very grateful."

"Of course we will!" Adam volunteered before Ashlee and me could say a word. "We'll start right now."

After Cindaquil was made comfortable and a quick call to my family recounting the day, excluding my rival's threats, we started for Cherrygrove City.



We passed through Route 29 without anything interesting happening. Not a Pokemon or Trainer in sight, but when we reached Cherrygrove it was a bustling metropolis.

"Wow" I gawked. I don't think even Crimson Island was that big. "Where do we go first?"

"I think we should go on to Mr Pokemon's house," Ashlee said slowing down so her new Chikorita could catch up.

"Yeah okay," Adam and me agreed.

After another uneventful hour of walking, we made it to Mr Pokemon's house.

"Come in, come in. You must be here for the egg, just let me go get it," he greeted us and disappeared into the back.

"Here you are," handing the white and blue spotted egg to Ashlee. Would you like something to eat?"

After feeding our faces we started back towards Elms lab.

"Please return the egg with all haste," Mr Pokemon cried as we left him behind.



It was now late at night by the time we reached Cherrygrove and quickly made reservations in the PokeCentre. After Ashlee, Adam and I unrolled our sleeping bags that were the same colour as our backpacks, and made CindaquiI cosy in mine, I told my new friends the news.

"Guys, I don't think I'll go back with you to New Bark Town. I'm going to start my training."

"We understand Topaz," Ashlee said sounding a little disappointed. "We better go to sleep if we want to start early."

I groaned at the word, being a trainer was not as easy as it looked.



Pokeball Go!
When I woke up the next morning, Adam and Ashlee had already left. "Oh well, I'm not a people person anyway," I said to Cindaquil. After dressing, Cindaquil and I decided to head for the PokeMart.

It was so much bigger than the one back home. We entered to see a million things. I coasted along the aisles, looking at nothing in particular, till something caught my eye.

"Translator," I read examining the tiny black box no bigger then my thumbnail. I quickly waved a shop assistant over.

"Do these really translate Pokemon speech?"

"Yes, they're the latest technology. Able to convert anything your Pokemon says for you to understand." He caught sight of Cindaquil. "Would you like to test it?"

"Yes please!"

"Please follow me," he said and walked into another room. Inside were dozens of stylish Pokemon collars. He snapped the box to one and handed it to me. I took Cindaquil from her place in my pack and attached the collar around her neck.

"Hi Cindaquil!"

"Don't be stupid. You can say something more intelligent than that!" I was awestruck. The translator made her sound exactly like her soft Pokemon voice.

"Okay which collar would you like?" After a bit of searching we found her the perfect one. It had flames in sparkling red and yellow. We switched the collar for the one I bought.

"You look great Cindaquil!" I exclaimed as she admired herself in the mirror. I thought to buy some more for my other Pokemon when I caught them.

"That's another thing Topaz. Could I have a name that's a little more original?"

"Of course, what do you have in mind?"

"I don't know. That's for you to decide," she said as I picked her up.

"Blaze?"

"I said original, not boring and insipid."

"How about Fury?"

"Fury," she murmured. "Its better than Blaze I guess."

"Glad you like it. Now how about we catch a few Pokemon, Fury?" I suggested.

Fury's face lite up like a candle. "My first battle, let's go!"



Fifteen minutes later we were just outside of town in a quiet patch of grass, looking for our first Pokemon battle together. Suddenly a few meters away, the grass stirred.

"Ember attack Fury, flush it out of the long grass!" A flash of fire and the Pokemon leapt to where I could see it clearly. It looked very much like the one in I'd seen in my textbooks. And memorized, but the Pokedex had been updated since those textbooks were written.

"Sentret, the Scout Pokemon. Very cautious. It raises itself up by using its tail to get a better view of its surroundings."

'Fury! Ready for you first battle!" Fury came flying out of the grass to face the Sentret.

"Hahahah," she scoffed. "Its going to be way to easy too hit this thing. He's even got a built in target!"

But while Fury laughed, Sentret aimed his attack and it was to late for Fury to dodge. He surged forward and struck her again and again with his paws. A fury swipes attack!

"Fight back with ember!" I ordered and Fury turned her back to Sentret. "Now!"

The flames caught Sentret and wrapped around him like a blanket. When they vanished, it left Sentret right and ready for me to capture.

"Pokeball go!" I hurled it with everything I could muster. It hit the Sentret with dead accuracy and Sentret was absorbed into the ball as a red light. It rocked, once, twice, three times and went still. PING! I caught my first Pokemon!

"Yes!" I whooped and snatched Fury up and tossed her in the air. "We captured our first Pokemon!" I cried as I caught her.

"Please, I get air sick!" the Cindaquil groaned as I threw her higher.

"Think about it Fury, that was the first step on the way to becoming a Master! Come on lets get Sentret to the PokeCentre." I grasped Sentret's Pokeball and we ran to the

PokeCentre.



Half an hour later, me, Fury and Target, my new Sentret, also fitted with a translation device and hip new collar. We back in the fields searching for more Pokemon.

"Topaz!" Target called in his shrill voice. When I arrived Sentret was trading blows with another Pokemon.

"A Pidgie!" I exclaimed as I recognized the brown bird. It was perfect for the beginning trainer because of its calm nature.

Also a flying type would be the ideal type to add to my newly formed team.

"Pidgie, the tiny bird Pokemon. It would rather defend itself than attack. Kicks up blinding dust to escape."

"Not this Pidgie. Target, quick attack." Target slammed Pidgey with tremendous speed that I only saw it as an eclipse of movement. Pidgey used its quick attack and they both collided with such force they both fainted. A few seconds and a Pokeball later, I had my second Pokemon.

"We're hot today!" Fury twittered from my pack as we returned to the PokeCentre for the second time that day

"I think we're ready to go to the next town!"

"Your right, Fury. As soon as Talon's healed we'll start on Route 30." After Talon was revived and had his translator, we navigated our way through the busy town to the clearing that lead to Route 30.

"Hey." Behind me was a kid holding a Pokeball. "Just caught my first Pokemon and I'm ready for a battle."

"Sure, but better be prepared to lose my impertinent little friend. Go Fury!" Fury stood in front of me taking up a fighting stance.

'Go Rattata, tackle attack now!"

Without me asking, Fury exhaled a cloud of smoke, a smokescreen attack, and the Rattata raced by, missing her by inches. She rammed Rattata's side as it passed.

"Now Ember!" We was getting pretty good at this. The attack finished the Rattata. It fainted.

"Another victory!" Fury's outburst had startled the trainer before he realized she was using a translator.

"Yeah!" We continued on our way, my Pokemon defeating three more trainers, without a single casualty, and as the day ended we set up camp for our first night on our own. It was wonderful watching the sun sink in the western edge of the sky in a haze of pink and orange, knowing you only had yourself to rely on.

Fury set the fire while I cooked a meal and released my two new Pokemon, Target and Talon. After I finished eating I asked my Pokemon what it was like to live in the wild. As it turned out, both Target and Talon were no more than children that had just ventured to far from their families.

When offered to release them, the two reassured me they liked being my Pokemon.

"A trained Pokemon is stronger than a wild one," Target explained. "If I return one day, I'll be able to beat the rest of my friends easy."

"Yeah I learnt a lot today just being with you, Topaz and with you I now have chance at evolving into a Pidgeot." I think Talon was referring to when he had learnt its whirlwind attack when we battled a pretty tough bug trainer.

"She's a great trainer. I bet if we stick with her we'll make it to the Elite Four," Fury said. As the Pokemon nodded a Pokemon's voice rang out through the darkness.

"Hoot Hoot!" The Pokemon jumped down from the branch she was sitting and hopped on her one leg to Fury's bowl of Pokemon Chow. She gobbled it up without pausing for a breath.

I was amazed that a wild Pokemon would come so close to an open fire. After she finished with Fury's she made her way to Targets and then tried to get at Talons share but the Pidgey blocked the way.

"Don't even think about it you little..." but the threat still didn't stop the Hoot Hoot. She pecked Talon aside and began to eat. Outraged, Talon lunged for the greedy Pokemon and tackled it head on. HootHoot tumbled into a near by tree and got up shakily. She glared at Talon icily and began to devour his food yet again. The whole thing held me entranced. This time Talon ripped at HootHoot with his clawed feet until it was fainted on the ground.

"Pokeball go!" It closed around the Pokemon and remained shut. "I didn't know you had such a temper Talon."

"I only want what's mine."

"I understand, that's the way it was around my place, first in best dressed. I wonder why she wouldn't give up?" I released HootHoot from her Pokeball and revived her using a potion. I gave her own share of Pokemon Chow and after she finished, I snapped a translator around her neck and asked why she was so hungry.

"Yesterday morning a boy was chasing me, he wouldn't give up. Every time I tried to rest he came at me with his Wartortle. I finally lost them just before and I haven't eaten in two days and now I'm still caught!"

Wartortle! That meant Tobias was around here somewhere.

"Don't worry Hoot Hoot. Topaz is a great trainer and you'll never be hungry again," Target squeaked enthusiastically. "But now your part of the team, you need a name too."

"What if I don't want a new name?"

"Then you don't get one. Hoot Hoot's fine with me. Anyway its time for bed."

"What do you mean? Your out on your own, you don't need a bedtime," Fury snorted.

"I do if I have to get up early."

I recalled my Pokemon and slipped into my sleeping bag with Fury. I thought about my first day as a trainer. I'm pretty good and I'm only going to get better I thought to myself. Also tomorrow I could fight my first Gymbadge.



Rival's Return
I opened my eyes and yawned. I love sleeping; it's got to be the most relaxing thing the world. I checked my watch.

"9:56! Fury, why'd you let me sleep in? You knew I wanted to start training early," I frowned.

"You looked tired."

"Most people do when they're sleeping. Damn, we better get going if we want to get to Violet city before dark." I packed up quickly and loped down the down the path to Violet.



It was an exciting day filled battles. Not one my Pokemon had lost a single match and from what Dex said, Fury was on the verge of evolving. HootHoot was settling into the group just fine and I think even Talon was starting to like her.

At the end of the day, the sun began to fade and it didn't look like we were going to make it to Violet before night set in.

As we entered the clearing I felt a cold chill. It was too quiet. Suddenly to my left I noticed a blur of blue movement, the only indication of the oncoming attack. The blur crashed into my stomach with such force it squeezed the air from my lungs. My mind reeled as my pack with Fury inside slipped from my shoulder and I collapsed to the ground. As I sucked in a pained breath I looked up. Tobias and Wartortle stood over me, cackling at my distress.

"Hello Topaz. Isn't it a surprise to see you here." He smiled an emotionless smile and continued. "So, how's my Cindaquil going? It was so nice of you to look after it for a while, but now I've come to take the little rat back." I glared at him and said nothing. "What? Nothing from that smart aleck tongue of yours."

"You want me to say something, fine. Go Hoot Hoot!" As I was about to release the Pokeball, Tobias's boot slammed down on my wrist with immense agony and the Pokeball rolled out of my reach.

"A Hoot Hoot, Topaz? That's now two Pokemon you've stolen from me." Tobias grinned menacingly. "That means twice the beating." His boot connected with the back of my head and my vision swam. As I tried to get up he lashed out twice more kicking me where no one likes to be kicked, making it impossible to stand.

I gazed up at him. "No, I'm not going to kill you Topaz. Just beat you within an inch of your life."

Then from beneath my pack Fury roared and leapt at Tobias, letting loose a series of slash and bite attacks.

"Ah, here's my rat. Play dead!" He laughed, grabbing her from his pants leg and threw her at a near by tree.

"Topaz!" Fury cried to me.

"Fury!" I scrambled to my feet but while I was off balance, Tobias's fist caught me in the hollow of my throat and I plunged to the ground again. "Fury!" I wheezed, gasping for air. Little by little, I inched my way to where Fury had fallen. Each time I tried to get up, Tobias beat me to the ground again. After numerous blows, I finally made it to Fury. She lay by the tree, senseless.

"Fury ," I whispered and held her close.

"That's my rat!" Tobias screamed, drunken with rage and pummelled me with kick after kick to my head and back. I'll be pissing blood for a week, I giggled as the pain began to dim and my thoughts started to swoon. But that didn't matter to me. All that mattered was that my Pokemon were safe. I groaned as Tobias bashed my kidneys again.

Suddenly Fury stirred. She saw my face contorted with pain and an amazing thing happened. Fury began to glow with a soft white light. The white light became brighter and covered her whole body like a veil of newly fallen snow. The light became more radiant until it became unbearable and I had to shut my eyes. When I regained my vision Fury wasn't a Cindaquil any longer, it had transformed into something more agile and muscular. Quilava, I recalled vaguely.

Fury's new body sprang at Tobias with newfound courage and resolve. As the saying went, God hath no fury like a woman scorned. She fought like a mad dog, keeping both

Tobias and Wartortle at bay. While Wartortle rushed in from one side to tackle her she bounded aside and Tobias took the hit. He stumbled backward, out of the match for the moment.

Wartortle and Fury traded blow, each getting as good as it gave. Then the Wartortle tripped, leaving an opening for Fury to take advantage of. She turned and a flood flames roared over Wartortle and when the flames were lifted, they revealed a charred Pokemon. Wartortle wasn't dead it would just be in intensive care for a while.

But Tobias wasn't finished yet. Just as I had been catching Pokemon, so had he and a Geodude appeared from his Pokeball. Oh no, Fury doesn't have a chance against a rock type. That's when Tobias got back to me. "I'll show you whose boss!" he yelled in my face and his backhand whipped across my nose. Blood flowed freely.

Again another surprise came from nowhere. A torrent of water, a wisp of a vine, and a flash of pearly white teeth. But the last blow from Tobias had sapped the last of my resolve to stay awake and lapsed into unconsciousness.




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Topaz at janescokamat@bigpond.com for comments



The Belsprout Bout

"Beep, beep, beep, beep." I swatted at my alarm but my hand ached. Why'd I turn on my alarm, I never turn on my alarm?

"Nurse, she's awake!" I peeled my eyes open to the harsh white lights of the hospital and remembered what had happened.

My eyes widened in fear. "Tobias, where is he?"

"He escaped Topaz. Ashlee, Adam and Sumalee didn't make it in time to catch him," Fury whispered I glanced down the end of my bed to see my friends and Pokemon, Fury, Target, Talon and.... "Where's Hoot Hoot?"

The Asian girl who had chose Totodile answered. "I'm sorry Topaz, but Tobias took HootHoot with him." Now I not only felt sore and weak as a kitten, but worthless too. I swore to protect my Pokemon and now one of them was in the hands of a madman.

"You couldn't have done anything about it, you were defending Fury," Talon said.

My Pokemon's support made me feel a little better but I was till smarting from the beating. I shifted position but it released a whole new wave of pain. "How long till I'm better."

"You should be well within a few days, Topaz," the nurse acknowledged. "But if I were you, I'd watch out for that boy, he's mad. If your friends hadn't come along you would most likely have permanent damage, or worse."

"Thank you nurse. Can I be alone with my friends now?"

"Of course, but they'll have to leave when visiting time is over." She puffed my pillow once more and left the room.

"So what happened?" I asked as my friends came closer and Fury curled up beside me.

Adam began. "We heard fighting up ahead and thought it was a battle and could grab some tips. When we entered the clearing we saw Quilava attacking Tobias's Pokemon,

Geodude, Spearow and Spinarak, and was beating them all! We knew she wouldn't have been doing it without a good reason. That's when we saw Tobias beating you up. We released our Pokemon to help Quilava and tried to help you but Tobias wouldn't quit. I tell you, he's insane. We finally had to stop him with brute force. That's when he grabbed your Hoot Hoot, and ran. His Pokemon were released back into the wild."

Sumalee sighed. "But not before swearing revenge. He totally lost it."

"Saying he lost it is implying he had it in the first place. Well," I said trying to cheer everyone up from the sullen mood. "How are your Pokemon going."

It worked brilliantly. "Ours aren't as advanced as yours," Ashlee said. "But I caught a Ledyba and a Caterpie."

"I've got a Spinarak and Aipom," Adam told me eagerly as he saw my questioning look. "Aipom is this monkey thing with a hand on its tail. Its a good fighter."

"What about you Sumalee, anything interesting? Hows Totodile?"

"I nicknamed him Maverick. He's frustrating! He bites anything and everything, including my hair! You have got to tell me where you got the translators; maybe then I'll be able to understand him. Other than that he's great! He's a strong fighter and affectionate. I've caught a Sentret like yours, a Spearow and female Nidoran."

"How did you know I've got a Sentret?" I asked curious. She rolled her eyes and nodded to the end of the bed.

"Topaz, we found you two days ago. You've been asleep since then so we decided to let your Pokemon out for a run,"

Ashlee explained, tapping on the hospital bed. "The nurse says you'll be allowed out the day after tomorrow anyway."

I groaned. We chatted a while longer and then they had to go. My Pokemon huddled close and I prepared for an uncomfortable night.



Two excruciating day later, after a final check over, my friends showed me out the door. When I got outside I saw we were in Violet City.

"Hey this place has a gym, doesn't it?" I said excited. I could earn my first Gymbadge, another step on the way to Indigo Plateau and the Elite Four.

"Yeah we were going to challenge the Gymleader today,"

Ashlee answered. "But I don't think all four of us will be able to at the same time."

"Eh," I shrugged. "I'm going to train some more. You two can go first," I said, indicating to Adam and Ashlee.

"Good, I know I'm gonna win." Adam grinned with the same confidence I'd seen the day we met.

"Eh," I repeated.



A little later me, Fury, Maverick and Sumalee, dressed in a sleeveless red T-shirt with a picture of a Charizard printed on it with a love heart shaped fireball in the background and the words 'Charizard Chick' printed underneath, and a pair of dark blue jeans, were wandering around town checking out the sights. Every now and again I'd stagger, as a pang would stutter through my body. Sumalee was very patient with me, as I often had to stop for rest.

"You know you should have stayed in the hospital another day, you're not completely healed. Your so lucky Tobias didn't kill you," she remarked, a note of sympathy in her voice.

Great, pity. If there is one thing I can't stand, its pity. It's only for those who are so depressed; they droop as low as to suicide.

"I'm fine," I growled through gritted teeth, a little annoyed with everyone asking me the same questions over and over. Are you OK? Will you be all right? You're sure you can make it on your own? I should have just recorded my answer on tape and play it over and over again.

When I had the strength to go on, we had made it to the stairs Belsprout Temple. The Belsprout Temple was a big tourist attraction because its centre pillar swayed like a Belsprout, hence the name. It was also a big hit with trainers as it reminded them that once they where as unstable as the supporting beam.

"Weird," Fury said as she, unintentionally I think, swayed in time with the beam.

"Yeah," and I too began weave left and right without meaning to. I looked at the plaque.

The Belsprout Pillar
It is said that a 100 foot tall Belsprout

was frozen in place and the Temple was

built around it. It is now a place of training.



"Let's go," I said already making my way up the stairs. A place of training, perfect. I can battle the people inside and be ready for the Violet Gymleader this afternoon. We climbed the first flight of stairs to see a man dressed in pure white shirts with long draping sleeves and grey pleated skirts kneeling before a marble statue of Belsprout.

The one leading the ceremony looked up from the dais. "You are here for training?"

"Yeah, who do I battle first," I said eagerly, readying my Pokeballs.

"Battle? Oh, you mean Pokemon. I'm sorry but this is a place of training the mind, body and spirit. But our master is upstairs with another young trainer now. I can take you too him." He then led us another flight of stairs, down a winding passage, a maze of corridors, when we finally reached the last door in the hallway.

"My master is inside. I must return to my prayers." The man gave a curt nod and disappeared into the labyrinth.

"Well," Sumalee shrugged. "If we're going in, now is as good any." She opened the door for me and followed my entrance.

I gasped and abruptly stepped backwards. Sumalee slammed into me, I tripped over Fury and Fury landed on Maverick. The four of us dropped to the ground in a crumpled heap.

"Tobias," I hissed as my rival stood before me grinning like a Jack-o'-lantern. I clambered to my feet to stand face to face with my rival. Well more like chest to face, but I still looked him in the eye.

"What are you doing here? All the Officer Jenny's in the city are searching looking for you." Sumalee now stood behind Fury and me poised in front, ready for the slightest hint of danger.

Tobias gave a cool look of contempt. "I'm not stupid enough to make the same mistake twice." I held my tongue, not wanting to invoke his wrath again. "If I take you on again it will be in a fair Pokemon battle. As for being here, I needed this." He waved a scroll in face. "Its the Flash HM. You need it to get through Union cave and onto my next Badge."

"You have the Violet City Gymbadge. They have a goddamn manhunt after you and you waltzed in and defeated Falkner. What kind of people do they have in the force!"

"What can I say," he said airily.

"How about sorry. You beat me half to death," I cried incredulous.

'HootHoot did very well earning the Zephyr Badge. He even evolved into Noctowl," he said changing the subject to spite me.

That's when I lost my temper. I swept my leg beneath his feet as I did the first time we met. He crashed to the floor and I was on him in a second with my hands around is throat.

"That's my Hoot Hoot!" I hissed again, my voice full of malice. A hand grasped me by the shoulder and tore me away from Tobias.

"Stop it! There will be no fighting in this house of worship. Tobias! Go before you cause me more trouble."

Another monk like man pulled me to my feet.

"But Hoot Hoot, he stole my Hoot Hoot," I cried reaching for Tobias but my hands only snapped on thin air. Tobias only let out one long cackle and was lost in the maze of corridors. Defeated again. What kind of lousy trainer am I? I let my Pokemon get away for a second time.

"Calm down young one, I am Sage Li. I suspect you are here for the Flash HM." I looked up to see a decrepit old man with a kind face. It bought me back to the present.

"Sumalee," I whispered. "If Tobias needs to get through Union Cave, so do we. I'm gonna get that HM."

I turned to him. "Yes. Can I have it?"

The Master chortled. "If you want the HM, I'd first like to test the bond you share with your Pokemon in a battle. If you win I will give you Flash." He took then a compressed Pokeball from his skirt pocket and smiled a wily smile. "Game?"

"You bet." I chose a Pokeball from my belt and readied for his first move. If my judgment were correct, I'd win this easy. "Go Belsprout!" he called as he tossed the Pokeball into the centre of the room.

Right again. "I choose you, Fury!" Fury leapt across the room to stand opposite Belsprout. "Since I have type advantage, you can go first," I offered.

"Belsprout, Sweet Scent!" the Sage ordered his Pokemon. The Belsprout fluttered its tiny leaves and an enticing smell wafted across the room, disarming Fury. "Now use your

Acid." Belsprout spat deep purple glue in Fury's eyes and she howled in pain.

When I could bear it no longer I recalled her. "Fury you tried your best, return. Its your turn Talon!" The Pidgey escaped from his ball in a wave of red light, hovering above

Belsprout's.

"Sweet Scent again," Li, bellowed but this time I was ready.

"Gust, blow the smell back at Belsprout." It worked. The Belsprout staggered like it was stoned out of its mind. "Now Double Edge." Talon plummeted at it with tremendous speed, hammering it with both wings.

"Bel Bel Belsprout," it rasped but sank to the ground defeated.

"Type does not always win the match child, remember that." Sage Li released his second Pokemon, another Belsprout. It looked stronger then the first, more experienced.

"Talon, Tackle." Talon glided across the floor but as it reached the Belsprout, it jumped, landing unharmed on Talons back. Without even an order, its vine like feet wrapped around the Pidgey's neck. Talon didn't like it one bit.

He danced around the room weaving in and out trying to throw his opponent loose, but Belsprout held tight. Belsprout then played dirty and clasped its leaf appendages over

Talons eyes. He crashed into the wall but managed relieve itself of Belsprout. He pivoted to face Belsprout and slapped it across the room with its Wing Attack. Already weak from hitting the wall head on, it fainted dead away.

"How many Pokemon do you have left Sage Li?" I asked. Talon was staring to tire and if the Master of Belsprout temple had another Belsprout, Target only had a slim chance of winning.

"I will make this my last Pokemon. If you defeat it, you win the Flash HM." He chose his last Pokemon with care and I had a feeling it wasn't another Belsprout. "Pokeball go!"

A HootHoot appeared from its Pokeball, staring malevolently at Talon. It let out a piercing screeched and beam of red energy hit my Pokemon. His shadow highlighted within the blast. He shrieked, I screamed, HootHoot yelled in triumph.

Thump, Talon hit the ground.

"Return, Talon," I said mournfully, now I didn't have a chance. Talon rolled away from the beam of light that would recall him back to his Pokeball. "I said, Return," and tried again to get him inside his ball and rest. Again he stumbled aside.

"Look Talon, maybe you don't get the whole Pokemon, Trainer thing. When I say Return it means get back in your Pokeball so you can heal. Now don't be difficult."

"Stubborn as you are," Sumalee whispered, suppressing a giggle.

"I am not stubborn! I just don't know the meaning of failure!"

Talon murmured and began to glow, surrounding his whole body as it did Fury.

As quickly as the glow appeared, it vanished. In Talons place was a healthy Pidgeotto.

"Pidgeotto! Now do you think I can win." He scuttled across the room to look down at Hoot Hoot. "BOO!" he shouted and knocked it flying with a flap of his newly formed wings.

The match was over and I acted with prestige and dignity. "Ha ha! I won I won I won. You didn't, I did. Now that HM is mine!"

Sage Li graciously and handed over the scroll. "You are skilled for a trainer so young. I must say I'm impressed because a Pokemon reflects its trainer's personality. In that one battle I now know you to be compassionate and understanding, as well as stubborn as a Stantler."

Sumalee nodded but I fixed that quick with a well-aimed elbow. As we left the temple, Sumalee studied the parchment that the HM was written on.

"Looks like a series of instructions," Sumalee ciphered as Pidgeotto flew above on his more efficient wings. Fury moaned again in my arms.

"Don't worry Fury, we'll be at the PokeCentre soon and they can get that gak out of your eyes," I reassured her in a soothing voice.

"Why not just use an Antidote," Sumalee said like she was saying something as obvious as putting your right shoe on your right foot.

"Smart aleck," I replied fishing one out of my bag. I sprayed it over Fury's face and it dissolved in an instant. Technology had come far since the days of the current Elite Four Champion, Ash Ketchum.

We arrived at the PokeCentre, and sat and waited for Adam and Ashlee to return. After a while Nurse Joy noticed us. I'll never understand the parents of the Nurse Joy's and

Officer Jenny's. Who would be that idiotic to name their identical daughters after their exact replica cousins. Another thing that annoys me is that they're always so optimistic. And that's how this one greeted us.

"You must be Sumalee and Topaz," she smiled with the grin plastered over her face as she took our Pokeballs. "I've a message here for you from Adam and Ashlee." She handed Sumalee the letter and disappeared into the back room.

"What does it say," I said trying unsuccessfully to peer over her shoulder.

"They left without us!" Sumalee exclaimed. "Adam and Ashlee beat Falkner and got impatient waiting for us so they left for Azalea Town."

But before I could answer me Cell phone chirped. "Hey! The Amazing Moltres speaking," I quipped, using a nickname I had at school because of my love of fire types. A picture of

Professor Elm flashed on to the screen.

"Amazing Moltres?" Suma snorted. "Where'd you come up with that?"

"So I've got big plans for my future!" I retorted indignant.

Professor Elm decided to humour me. "Miss Moltres I'm glad you recovered from Master Tobias's, er..."

"Beating," I supplied with an angry flush at the thought of that wacko with my Noctowl.

"Yes, as you can see his mother is quite upset." The screen focused on a woman behind him sobbing into a tissue, her long purple hair falling into her red, puffy eyes. Her husband, who resembled Tobias more, sought to comfort her.

"I'm not dead," I said worried about the woman. It wasn't her fault her son was a nut case. But than again, the rotten apple never falls far from the tree. "Tell her I'm fine and I don't blame her."

"Ah, yes. She is sorry about that, but a few minutes ago we received word that Tobias had joined the nefarious Team Rocket."

"But that's impossible," I interrupted, remembering my childhood story books telling how the great Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu defeated them in Saffron City of Kanto saving Silph Co, a great corporation into creating amazing Pokemon technology. If he had failed, the world would almost definitely be under the Rockets control. "Ash destroyed them eight years ago."

"So we thought but it seems that they have been lying in the dark corners of Johto building strength. Their leader Giovanni has not yet surfaced so for now we are safe. But I stray from what I wanted to talk to you about. The Mysterious Egg Adam and Ashlee delivered, it seems that and egg hatches more quickly when it is with an active team of Pokemon."

"And you want us to look after it?" Sumalee said from over my shoulder.

Professor Elm nodded. "It would be very much appreciated." I looked at Suma and she shook her head vigorously. "We don't think we could look after it but," I said thoughtfully. "We could pass it on to Ashlee."

"Thank you Miss Moltres. My assistant baring the egg will be there by this afternoon. Good luck earning the Zephyr Badge." Professor Elm nodded good-bye and the screen went blank. After a while I turned to see a teenage boy, maybe a bit older than Sumalee and I, with deep blue hair, a lock hiding one eye. His bulky white shirt and formal pleated skirt did nothing to hinder his quickened pace. His dour statement brightened as Nurse Joy appeared from the back with a hand full of Pokeballs. I recognized one as Fury's with a flame etched into it and Mavericks teardrop.
"Good afternoon Falkner," Nurse Joy greeted him with the same broad smile she did us. Falkner! if I wanted to enter the Johto League, he was obstacle obstructing my path. "From the looks of it someone just broke your winning streak."

"Two, and another kid stole a badge," he answered sullenly. "Yesterday was my 38th win too."

Sumalee jumped in. "Falkner I challenge you to a match, so that I may earn the Zephyr badge."

Falkner looked her up and down and sighed. "As an official Gymleader of the Johto League, accept your challenge." He then saw me, propped up on my elbows so I could reach over the counter to receive my Pokemon.

"And I guess you want to battle me too?"

"Yep," I answered nonchalantly as Fury appeared form her Pokeball in a flash of red light.

"I hate Pokeballs!" she immediately complained, shacking herself like a bedraggled dog but instead of being sprayed with water droplets, and sparks seared our skin.

"Cut it out Fury!" I cried patting out a tiny flame that had erupted in my hair. "Besides I thought Pokemon liked being in their Pokeballs."

"Not if you're claustrophobic!" It made me think what it was like inside a Pokeball, I'd always imagined it as the ball lined with soft cushions, a place to rest and heal from the hurts of the last battle. And when a Pokemon is recalled it looked like a beam of energy. How can energy get claustrophobic?

"Well this is Falkner and we're going for our first badge."

"Great lets go!"
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