Thread: Pokémon: The Bell Rings

Chapter 6
The Secret Stone

The pair battled many Trainers along their way, taking turns in battling, and against one of the opponents, a Lass who owned a couple of Pidgey, Kanan’s Weedle evolved into a Kakuna.

The pair eventually reached Route 4, where there was a Pokémon Center right next to the entrance of Mt. Moon. Bell and Kanan healed their Pokémon, before deciding to stay in the Center for the rest of the day, as the trip through Mt. Moon would be long, and the sun was starting to set.

***

“Hey miss…” A voice whispered to Bell as soon as she woke up. The pair were sleeping in their sleeping bags on the floor, as rooms were limited. “I know you just woke up, and you’re lucky for that, I want to offer you a very rare Pokémon for just 500 Pokémon Dollars. It’s called Magikarp.”

“I’m not an idiot,” Bell was suddenly energetic. “I know how useless that Pokémon is.”

The man freaked out and ran away from Bell, and presumably out of the Pokémon Center.

“Nicely done,” Kanan said. “I was awake the whole time, but decided not to even open my eyes. How did Oak know about this?”

“He said that many of the Trainers he sent to collect data for the Pokédex fell for it, and they warned him.”

“They must have been pretty stupid…” Kanan laughed. “Everyone knows how weak Magikarp is.”

***

Bell and Kanan entered Mt. Moon, and wandered aimlessly before they finally realized that they have lost the exit.

“Where to now?” Bell asked. “You lived near this place for years, you never visited it?”

“No,” Kanan said. “I had more important stuff to do than exploration.”

“There’s the exit!” Bell was ecstatic to find the door, and she ran towards it, fading into the light that came from the door, Kanan ran after her and as soon as he crossed the doorway, he saw Bell standing still, she was staring at a giant rock in awe.

“That’s a Moon Stone,” a man wearing a white lab coat, with scruffy brown hair and medical glassed approached them. “My name is Seymour, I am a scientist that studies the behavior of Pokémon here in Mt. Moon. The Clefairy come here to evolve into Clefable.” He then produced smaller versions of the stone from his pocket. “These are usable for only one time, while the larger stone can be used an unlimited number of times.”

“I’m Kanan, and this is Bell.” Kanan said, as Bell was still staring weirdly at the stone. “We were just passing through Mt. Moon and got lost.”

“So pretty…” Bell whispered to herself, which made Kanan almost break down in laughter.”

“I can show you the way out if you would like,” Seymour continued, seemingly ignoring Bell. “I know this place pretty well, I can get you out in no time.”

Before Kanan could respond to the offer, a punch of Clefairy entered the room, and began dancing around the Moon Stone. Every now and then one would take a very tiny piece from the Moon Stone, smaller than the stones that Seymour had. The Clefairy would then dance it’s way off to another Clefairy, and they form groups of five.

“They’re making Moon Stones,” Seymour stated. “It’s quite nice to watch.”

Kanan was upset by the fact that Seymour ruined the surprise of what would happen, it was like hearing the ending of a movie in the middle of the most important scene in the movie.

“It’s amazing,” Kanan said, he was trying not to yell at Seymour, though he really wanted to. “Shall we get going, Bell?”

Bell finally turned her attention to Kanan and the man next to him, and managed to recall hearing their conversation and figured everything out. As the group turned to the ext, they managed to see the silhouette of a person approaching, the footsteps seemed to have no sound, even though that person was marching towards them.

Finally, the person’s features began to appear. He was a man in his forties, dark hair with a hint of gray in it, his eyes were void of any emotions. Bell could sense that this wasn’t going to end in a good way.

As the mysterious man was out of the darkness of the cave and into the light of the room they were in, his clothes became clear. All he was wearing was a very long coat that was buttoned, revealing nothing underneath.

“Hello,” The man said with a chilling deep voice. “My name is Gabriel. And you are?”

“I’m Seymour,” The man spoke, seemingly not noticing the air of awkwardness that was in the room. “And these are Kanan and Bell.”

“Pleasure,” Gabriel said simply. “I take it these Clefairy are yours?”

“No, They’re wild Pokémon living in Mt. Moon.” Seymour said.

“You would not mind me observing would you?” Gabriel’s eyes seemed to be starting directly at the core of Seymour’s eyes.

“No, not at all.” Seymour said, finally feeling what Bell and Kanan were feeling.

Gabriel walked slowly towards a group of Clefairy. He began circling them as they were combing their pieces to make a Moon Stone. After they finally finished, every single one of them let go of it simultaneously, and none of them evolved.

“Interesting,” Gabriel said to himself, drawing the Clefairy attention. “That’s an excellent strategy.”

“I don’t trust him…” Bell whispered to Kanan.

“I don’t either,” He replied. “We should probably get going.”

“I will take my leave now,” Gabriel spoke as he started to leave the room. “Pleasure.” He said before finally disappearing into the darkness of another tunnel next to the one he came from.

“I love having visitors!” Seymour exclaimed. “The last time three people visited me, they had saved my life. Anyway, I would like to give you these two Moon Stones.” He said as he handed Bell and Kanan the Moon Stones he had shown Kanan earlier. “They will help you without any doubt.”

“Thanks,” Bell said before putting the stone in her backpack, Kanan did the same. “We should probably get out now.”

***

The pair found themselves at the exit with the help of Seymour. The said their goodbyes and then headed for Cerulean City through Route 4. Bell spotted a few Rattata and Spearow, but she wasn’t in the mood for catching Pokémon, and decided to stick with her team of three for now.

Bell and Kanan eventually reached Cerulean City, and they were both ready to take on the Cerulean Gym. They decided to spend the rest of the day in the Pokémon Center, and challenge the Gym in the morning. Bell knew that now there was no chance that she would run into Chris or Jane anytime soon. The time she spent with Kanan and his family after acquiring the Boulder Badge gave Chris and Jane a huge head start.

Bell had three Pokémon with her now, all of them trained and ready for Battle, the same could be said for Kanan.

Although she was clearly able to beat the Gym, she couldn’t help but point out the odd things that occurred in her journey so far. Why didn’t Weedle evolve faster, it was a Bug Pokémon and it should be in it’s final form by now. Having almost no trouble in Mt. Moon besides getting lost for no more than an hour. Meeting Kanan who has greatly helped her.

It was as if Bell was destined to get to a certain point. And she was extremely afraid of the point where her luck would run out and she would have to rely entirely on herself after receiving help for so long.

***

Concerning the colour issue, I know that I sounded very selfish when I said I won't change it. I know this will also sound selfish, but I take writing as a hobby, meaning I will keep writing whether everyone or no one reads. Sorry again guys...

Chapter 7
The Rise & Fall

Bell woke up after experiencing one of the most frightening nightmares ever and yet one of the least complicated. Her dream was simple; she was just sitting at her mother’s grave for a few minutes. All that the dream had told was that she was homesick, even if she didn’t believe in dream interpretation.

Bell looked around, and soon realized that there was something missing, Kanan was nowhere to be found. Bell guessed that he must have gone training, and decided to train her Pokémon until he comes back. As soon as she exited the Pokémon Center, she spotted Kanan a few paces away.

“Where have you been?” Bell asked casually, she didn’t seem to care much, she was just curious.

“I challenged the Gym,” Kanan said. “And won.”

Bell somehow felt betrayed, even though she shouldn’t be. Bell and Kanan had no kind of obligation to each other. She felt her as though her anger would get the best her and slap Kanan across the face. But then she realized that Kanan is the only one who can give her tips on how to defeat the Gym Leader.

“Was it a tough battle?” She finally said after awkward moments of silence.

“Yes,” Kanan said. “The Gym Leader had a type advantage, but Kakuna came through for me and evolved into a Beedrill.”

Bell was again furious, this was the second time she missed that Pokémon evolve, the first time she was busy training her own Pokémon, when it evolved against a Lass. But she was determined to hold in her anger.

“Congratulations.” That was all Bell could utter in her anger.

***

After training for a long time in Route 4, she finally went to the Gym. There seemed to be a very large pool, with a platform floating on top of it.

“Welcome to the Cerulean City Gym,” A female voice said from the other end of the pool. “I am Misty, the Gym Leader.”

Bell seemed surprised, Kanan never mentioned the Gym Leader being a girl. Misty was dressed in what seemed to be a yellow swimming suit. She was also holding a Pokémon in her hands, one that wasn’t native to Kanto. Misty saw Bell staring at the Pokémon in her hands.

“It’s called Azurill,” Misty explained. “A friend of mine gave it to me when it was an egg. Now, do you want to battle or what?”

“I’m ready!” Bell suddenly became focused in the battle that hasn’t started yet. “I choose Bulbasaur!”

Bell sent out her starter, it looked tougher than ever and eager to battle.

“Alright,” Misty said, seemingly happy. “I saw a few of those before, I know their moves. I’ll send out-“

She was interrupted as a duck-like Pokémon sent itself out of it’s Pokéball in Misty’s bag.

“Psyduck!” Misty shouted, her face was red with anger. “Not that again!”

“Vine Whip!” Bell ordered, she thought that Misty had chosen Psyduck and was not willing to take away the element of surprise from Bulbasaur.

As expected, Bulbasaur’s whips connected with the Pokémon before it realized what had happened, and threw him across the gym and into the pool, where it seemed to be flailing around, as if it can’t swim.

“Return!” Misty called back her Pokémon. “And don’t come back out.”

“I choose Corsola!” Misty sent out Corsola, a white and pink Pokémon.

“Vine whip again!” Bell was surprised when Bulbasaur managed to knock out Corsola with just one hit.

“I forgot it was also a Rock Pokémon,” Misty said as it returned the Pokémon to it’s Pokéball. “Now I’ll send out Gyarados!”

Bell knew that Bulbasaur no longer had a type advantage.

“Return, Bulbasaur,” Bell called the Pokémon back to it’s Pokéball. “I choose Pidgey!”

Bell threw the Pokéball to reveal Pidgey, who looked tougher than ever, just like Bulbasaur. Pidgey seemed to be more eager to battle than Bulbasaur was.

“Sand Attack!” Bell shouted to her Pidgey, who flew down scratching it’s legs across the borders of the pool and sending small particles into Gyarados’ eyes.

Pidgey wasn’t very happy being just some strategy battler, it wanted to attack the Gyarados and prove it’s strength.

“Hydro Pump!” Misty ordered, and Gyarados obeyed, shooting a stream of water flying towards Pidgey and knocking it out in one hit.

Bell returned Pidgey to it’s Pokéball. And sent out her Nidoran. “Use Poison Sting!” Bell shouted as soon as Nidoran was out of the Pokéball.

“Hydro Pump!” Gyarados once again proved it’s strength, and knocked Nidoran out. Even though it’s accuracy was poor after Pidgey’s attack, it was still a rough opponent.

Bell called her fallen back, she knew all hope was lost now, and that she won’t be able to win this battle. “You win,” She finally said. “I give up.” Bell then quickly ran out of the Gym and into the Pokémon Center, where she healed her Pokémon.

“Did you get your badge?” Kanan asked her as he noticed her at the desk. “Was it a tough battle?”

“I lost,” Bell said, hiding the fact that she gave up. “How come every Gym Leader so far has a Pokémon that isn’t native to Kanto?” She quickly changed the subject, losing meant that her luck had finally run out, and that was upsetting beyond belief.

“It’s not that annoying,” Kanan said. “They both also had Pokémon that wasn’t the type of the Gym’s specialty. Forrest had Steelix. Misty has Azurill. And I’m sure you’ll challenge her again after you train more, and win.

***

Bell was determined to catch a Pokémon that will help her in her quest. She needed an Electric Pokémon, the thing that will help her take that Gyarados out.

When suddenly, a tiny glimmer of hope appeared. Eisig and Sahiba had just arrived at Cerulean City. She wanted to ask Eisig for his Pikachu, but was sure he was going to refuse. She walked up to them anyway.

“Hey, Sahiba,” Bell started. “Eisig.”

***

Chapter 8
The Struggle

Bell walked slowly towards the pair. She knew that Eisig would never loan her his Pikachu, and regretted ever calling out for them. She felt her face turn red, and decided that she wouldn’t ask for Pikachu. She barely knew them.

“What brings you guys here?” Bell said, trying to mask the nervousness in her voice.

“Why do you care?” Eisig said. Sahiba was going to answer, but was interrupted before starting her part of the conversation.

“I was just saying hi,” Bell lied. “Trying to start a conversation.”

“Don’t do that again.” Eisig said before walking away. Sahiba followed slowly, with a look that reflected Eisig’s dominance over her.

***

Bell sat inside the Center for ages, just thinking about how to defeat Misty without an Electric Pokémon.

That was when she began to give up on all hope. It was also when the solution was presented to her. A cloaked man came into the Center and sat next to Bell, his face could not be seen, nor any skin for that matter.

“I know what is troubling you,” The man said, his voice was being altered into a more robotic voice. “I can help you.”

“Do I know you?” Bell responded, she was confused at the sudden approach of this man.

He did not answer. Instead he produced a Pokéball that seemed to have a metal detector attached to it.

“Take this to the man in the Sea Cottage north from this city.” He handed the Pokéball to Bell and rushed away from her. He exited the Center before Bell could say anything else. She tried following him, but he was nowhere to be found.

***

Belll went north as instructed. She didn’t open the Pokéball to see what it contained.

“Hey!” Someone shouted at Bell. She turned her head and saw a familiar face, Sahiba.

“What are you doing here?” Sahiba asked, though she didn’t seem interested.

“I’m just looking around,” Bell lied. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing important really,” Sahiba said. “Do you want to battle?”

The request came out of nowhere, but Bell wasn’t going to back down. She wanted to prove that she was a strong Trainer, and that it wasn’t just luck that was on her side.

“I’ll choose Bulbasaur!” Bell sent out her starter, who now seemed stronger than ever and ready to evolve.

“I’ll choose Jigglypuff!” Sahiba sent out the same Pokémon she had used in her last battle. “This will be a one on one.” She said without care for Bell’s opinion on this.

“Vine Whip!” Bell immediately ordered, she wasn’t going to waste anytime or give Sahiba a chance to win.

The vines smacked Jigglypuff across the face and threw it off it’s balance.

“Disable!” Sahiba said as Jigglypuff rose up. For a split second Jigglypuff seemed to have attacked Bulbasaur mentally. As Bulbasaur just shivered and retracted it’s vines.

“Vine Whip!” Bell ordered. But Bulbasaur just froze as if it was paralyzed.

“Pound!” Sahiba said, and Jigglypuff attacked Bulbasaur. It was then that Bell figured out what Disable did. She now had to rely on another attack.

“Tackle it!”

Bulbasaur threw it’s body at Jigglypuff sending it flying away from him.

“Again!” Bell commanded, and Bulbasaur obeyed. It repeated it’s attack, and Jigglypuff was knocked out.

Sahiba returned her Pokémon to it’s Pokéball, and began to turn away when Bulbasaur caught it’s attention.

Bulbasaur was shining in a bright white light. It grew in size and it’s bulb opened to reveal a bud. It had evolved into Ivysaur.

Sahiba shrugged off her defeat and walked away, presumably to find Eisig.

“You evolved!” Bell was overwhelmed with joy. She knew that her newly evolved Pokémon alone could beat Misty. She had regained her confidence, but was still determined to find out what her mysterious fourth Pokémon was.

***

Bell arrived at the Sea Cottage, from which Eisig and Sahiba seemed to be leaving. Eisig gave Bell a very condescending look, and proceeded to walk away from her, and as usual Sahiba followed.

Bell knocked on the door and entered after being invited in. There was an old man sitting in the cottage, with many evolutionary stones laid out in front of him.

“How can I help you?” He said in the most welcoming voice Bell had heard since she left Pewter City.

“Someone gave me a Pokémon and told me to bring it here,” Bell said as she produced the Pokéball.

“Why don’t we see it then?” The old man said, eager to see what Pokémon the girl has in store.

Bell threw the Pokéball to the ground, and it produced a light, which then shaped itself into a Pokémon.

“Ah,” The old man said. “It’s an Eevee.”

Chapter 9
The Thunderstone

“Eevee has a variety of evolutions,” The old man explained. “I can only offer you three of them. Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon. Water, Electric and Fire.”

Bell now understood what the mysterious man meant by helping her; he knew she needed an Electric Pokémon. How he knew or why he helped her remained unknown to her. But what she wanted to know most was who he was.

“So, are you planning on evolving her?” The old man snapped Bell back into reality.

“I’ll think about it,” Bell replied. “I’ll be back later.”

Bell withdrew her Pokémon and exited the Sea Cottage and went back to Cerulean City.

***

As she was crossing the Nugget Bridge, Bell started to think more about her unusual luck. A very rare Pokémon was given to her without any requests of her. She reached Cerulean City and ran into Kanan before going into the Pokémon Center.

“Where have you been?” Kanan asked, seemingly worried about her. “I’ve been waiting for you to challenge the Gym Leader again.”

“I trained my Pokémon,” Bell said, and it wasn’t exactly a lie. “Bulbasaur evolved.”

“Congratulations!”

“Thank you,” Bell said. “You should go ahead of me. Get your Gym Badges. I can manage by myself.”

“What do you mean?” Kanan was confused by Bell’s statement.

“What I mean is that you should go and get your next Gym Badge instead of waiting for me.”

“Why?” Kanan said. “Viridian Forest was very boring when I went through it on my own. When I had a companion, it was much better.”

“If you want to wait, it’s your choice,” Bell said. “Though you should know that it will take me a long time to defeat Misty.”

“I can wait.”

***

Bell wondered on whither or not she should take the liberty to evolve Eevee. The man who gave it to her didn’t seem to want it, he also said it was to help her. After a long time of thinking, she finally decided to evolve it into a Jolteon. Eevee was her Pokémon now and she could do whatever she wants.

After making up her mind, she gathered her Pokémon from the nurse and went back to the Sea Cottage. Bell heard a crashing sound coming from the building, followed a big thud. She knew that the old man was in danger, and rushed into the house.

There stood two figures, hovering over the old man, she recognized them as Eisig and Sahiba. They turned their heads and looked at her. Sahiba seemed troubled, while Eisig had an evil look in his eyes, as if he intended to kill to get what he wanted. Pikachu was out of his Pokéball, while Jigglypuff wasn’t.

“What do you want?” Eisig said. He had the Thunderstone in his hands.

“What are you doing to him?” Bell said, her hands ready on Ivysaur’s Pokéball.

Eisig looked directly at Bell’s eyes, giving her a chill and she almost froze with fear. It was clear that Eisig was not going to go easy on her.

“Go Ivysaur!” Bell sent her Pokémon and prepared for battle.

Then she noticed that Eisig was attempting to use the Thunderstone on Pikachu. This was her only chance to evolve Eevee and she had to take it. She grabbed Eevee’s Pokéball and threw it up in the air.

“Ivysaur, use Vine Whip!” Bell said. “Knock that stone out of his hand!”

Ivysaur quickly attacked Eisig’s hand and the stone flew into the end of the room. Eevee was now out of it’s Pokéball.

“Grab the stone!” The Trainers said simultaneously.

Eevee and Pikachu both ran towards the stone, Pikachu was ahead and seemed to be the one who will get the stone and evolve. Then Ivysaur interfered, and used it’s Vine Whip to knock Pikachu to the side of the room and hold it there. The attack seemed very brutal and Pikachu was seriously injured.

Eevee eventually reached the stone, and threw herself at it. As soon as her body came in contact with the stone, she began to shine with a white light. Her fur became yellow and shaped as needles. Her collar turned white and became spiky as well.

“How dare you?” Eisig screamed at Bell. He withdrew his Pikachu then stormed out before delivering one last line to her. “You will regret this.”

Sahiba quickly followed her partner with a look of fear in her eyes. She didn’t even look in the eyes.

***

Bell helped the old man to his feet, and apologized for using his Thunderstone. After helping him return everything in his house to his place, she thanked him and exited the Sea Cottage. Bell sat with her Pokémon on the shore of the river and took a long rest. She told them that she planned on challenging the Gym again. Ivysaur seemed to be willing to obey Bell no matter what she decides to do. Pidgey seemed eager to battle as usual. Nidoran ♀ seemed indifferent and more interested about cleaning her own body in the river. Jolteon seemed to be happy to finally participate in a battle. Bell withdrew her Pokémon and went back to the Pokémon Center. She healed her Pokémon and met with Kanan, who wanted to accompany her and watch her battle Misty.

***

Chapter 10
The Misty Mermaid

“Welcome back,” Misty said. “Are you ready to battle again?”

“Yes,” Bell said, more eager to battle than ever. “This time I won’t lose.”

Bell was very determined to win. She was not planning on giving up no matter how many times she has to battle Misty. And in her determination, although not aware of it, she would push her Pokémon to the extreme.

***

This time around, Misty started with a Goldeen. Bell proceeded to use what she intended on using, Ivysaur.

“I see that your Pokémon evolved,” Misty said. “I had a friend once with a Bulbasaur, though it decided not to evolve.”

“I don’t care about that,” Bell shouted, she was meaner than ever and eager to battle. “I will win and prove that I have the better Grass Pokémon! Then I will defeat your friend’s Bulbasaur.”

“No need to become aggressive,” Misty said. “You’re probably not even going to meet-“
“Razor Leaf!” Bell’s command interrupted Misty and caught Goldeen by surprise. The sharp leaves hit Goldeen with all their might and caused many cuts to cover the Pokémon’s body.

“Vine Whip!”

Ivysaur obeyed and threw Goldeen out of the pool and it landed near Misty’s legs.

“That’s not fair!” Misty screamed. “You didn’t say we were going to start.” She withdrew her Pokémon and prepared her next one.

“I assumed that battle was already on,” Bell laughed. “Our Pokémon were out of their Pokéballs, which can only mean that the-“

“Go! Starmie! Use Tackle!”

The Pokémon flew out of it’s Pokéball and combined the force of the throw with it’s own strength and crashed into Ivysaur, sending him flying into the wall behind Bell.

“Vine Whip!”

Ivysaur extended it’s vines and attacked Starmie with them.

“Razor Leaf!” Bell shouted before Ivysaur could even retract it’s vines, causing it to speed up the process and attack Starmie with a weak attack.

“Tackle!” Misty shouted as soon as Starmie gathered itself from the attacks.

Bell was determined to not lose, which led her to using an attack that will use Starmie’s attack against itself.

“Take Down!”

Ivysaur jumped at the charging Pokémon. The two clashed, causing Ivysaur to fly back to the wall, and Starmie to fall into the pool. The two were unconscious.

The Trainers returned their Pokémon to their Pokéballs and prepared for their next Pokémon.

“Wait!” Misty shouted. “I would recommend taking it easy on your Pokémon, you pushed Ivysaur too much.”

“Why?” Bell started smiling. “Are you afraid of losing?”

“I am not afraid!” Misty shouted. She was now more irritated than ever. “I choose Politoed!”

A green Pokémon emerged from the Pokéball, and again, it was not a Pokémon native to Kanto. Bell found that even weirder, why would a Kanto Gym Leader have so much Pokémon who are not even from Kanto.

“I choose Pidgey!” Bell sent out her bird Pokémon, she was saving Jolteon for Gyarados.

“Water Gun!” Misty ordered. Politoed shot a small stream of water at Pidgey, causing it to be knocked back a little.

“Use Gust!” Bell finally ordered her Pidgey to use an effective attack instead of strategizing her moves. Pidgey was even happier by this, he was completely prepared to battle.

Pidgey summoned an enormous gust that he was holding back all the time it didn’t battle. It completely engulfed Politoed and finally threw it up into the air.

Without any command from Bell, Pidgey flew towards Politoed, who was suspended in the air. As it got closer, the wind started to cool down, but before Politoed could descend into the pool, it was hit by a fierce Quick Attack from Pidgey. Bell was even more excited by this, she seemed to have the advantage now.

“Mega Punch!” Misty ordered, and Politoed jumped back into the air as soon as it hit the small platform that was on top of the pool. This caused the platform to sink briefly into the pool and emerge seconds later. Politoed punched Pidgey and caused it to crash into the roof of the Gym, and then fall into the pool.

“Return,” Bell returned her Pokémon to it’s Pokéball, they were both down by two Pokémon. “It seems we are equals now.”

“That doesn’t mean that you will-“

“ThunderShock!” Bell played her dirty trick again as she threw Jolteon’s Pokéball into one of the platforms. She no longer cared about saving it for Gyarados, as far as she knew, Jolteon could defeat Misty on it’s own.

Jolteon sent a small electric jolt flying towards Politoed, it seemed to be the same size and power as Politoed’s Water Gun. It was enough to knock Politoed out, as it had a type advantage, and Pidgey’s previous efforts.

“Again with that dirty trick!” Misty shouted at Bell as she withdrew her Pokémon. “Do you really think you’re going to win?”

Bell didn’t respond, she knew that Misty was trying to use her own trick against her. This was apparent by Misty placing her hand on her Pokéball as she waited for Bell’s response.

“So you’re not going to fall for your trick,” Misty said. “That’s clever. This is going to be my last Pokémon.”

Bell again didn’t respond, that information was not crucial to her and she knew this was another attempt for Misty to use the element of surprise.

“Fine,” Misty sighed. “Let’s get this over with. Go, Gyarados!”

“ThunderShock!” Bell immediately shouted. Jolteon quickly shocked Gyarados, and paralyzed it as well. This meant that Bell had another chance to attack before Gyarados even moved.

“Again!” She shouted, and Jolteon shocked Gyarados again. But Gyarados was still able to fight.

“Hydro Pump!” Misty shouted, and Gyarados’ attack threw Jolteon into the pool. It quickly recovered and climbed back into the platform, shaking it’s body to dry it’s fur a little.

“ThunderShock!” Bell shouted before Jolteon could even finish drying it’s fur. The water in trickled down Jolteon’s fur and into it’s eyes, causing it’s attack to miss.

“This battle is mine!” Misty shouted. “Hydro Pump!”

Jolteon shock it’s body quickly to dry itself and clear it’s eyes. When it was done, she opened her eyes only to find that Gyarados was paralyzed.

“Looks like I’ll win!” Bell was high on victory. “ThunderShock!”

The last jolt of electricity managed to knock Gyarados out of the battle. Bell had won.

***

Bell received her Cascade Badge and exited the Gym. She had completely forgotten that Kanan was there observing the battle, and only remembered him after her congratulated her and asked her where she got Jolteon from. She explained to him all the events that happened from her loss to her win.

The pair then chose their next destination, Saffron City.

***

Chapter 11
The Old Friend

Bell and Kanan’s next destination was not very far. Saffron City was one of the largest and most successful cities in Kanto. The only thing separating Cerulean City and Saffron City was Route 5, a relatively short route.

The route wasn’t crowded with Pokémon. The pair managed to go through it with ease, and they went through the lookout station without any trouble either. They had reached Saffron City with no trouble at all.

***

Bell immediately noticed the Gym and wanted to rush into it. The only thing that stopped her was Kanan, who reminded her that she hadn’t healed her Pokémon since the battle with Misty. Bell wondered why Kanan didn’t remind her before they left Cerulean City.

They traveled to the Pokémon Center, where Bell healed her Pokémon and admired her badges. This time she took the time to observe the Cascade Badge, it was shaped as a water drop, and Bell found that extremely lazy of both Gym Leaders. Their badges had lacked creativity and were simple designs.

“Should we go battle now?” Bell asked as soon as she received her Pokémon.

“I don’t think you should,” Kanan responded. “Even though you did heal your Pokémon, two Gym battles in a day is pushing them too far.”

“I don’t care,” Bell said, her determination was taking over her once again. “I can win without even resting.”

“Then why did you ask me?”

Bell didn’t answer, instead she got up and walked towards the door, her destination being the Gym.

That’s when someone approached her, someone she didn’t expect to run into, Jane.

Jane has made it clear that she wasn’t planning on collecting Gym Badges, but rather to see the entire region of Kanto and it’s Pokémon. So it was no surprise to Bell when she found it that all Jane had now were three un-evolved Pokémon.

“I have four Pokémon now,” Bell gloated. “Two of which are evolved.”

“Are they Bulbasaur and Pidgey?” Jane asked, interested in seeing what her friend was up to.

“Bulbasaur did evolve,” Bell said. “Pidgey didn’t. I have an Eevee that is now a Jolteon. My forth Pokémon is a Nidoran.”

“My team is still the same,” Jane said. “Squirtle and Rattata, the only new addition is an Oddish.”

“How long have you been in Saffron City?” Bell asked.

“This is my second day here,” Jane said. “It’s a very big city and there are many things to do.”

“What can you tell me about the Gym Leader?” Bell wanted to use this opportunity and find out as much about the Gym Leader as she can.

“Not much,” Jane said and Bell was disappointed. “I just know that it’s a female. Can I see your Pokémon?”

Bell agreed and the pair walked out of the Pokémon Center, where they both sent out their Pokémon. Kanan exited the Center as well, and he managed to convince Bell to take it easy on her Pokémon, since they looked tired even though they were just healed.

Bell and Jane eventually returned their Pokémon to their Pokéballs, and both went their separate ways.

“Maybe you should watch me battle the Gym Leader,” Kanan said. “My Pokémon are well rested and you will benefit from the observation.”

Bell considered this, it would indeed help her. However, that meant that Kanan would once again be one step ahead of her. She finally settled on letting Kanan battle the Gym Leader before her.

***

The pair took their time in reaching the Gym. Bell knew that Kanan would be one step ahead of her again if he beats the Gym Leader, and as much as it pained her, she hoped that the Gym Leader would defeat him.

The Gym was full of people staring at spoons. They eventually made their way to the Gym Leader.

“Hello,” She said. “My name is Sabrina. I am the Saffron City Gym Leader. Which one of you is my challenger?”

“I am,” Kanan said, his hand on Geodude’s Pokéball. “Choose your Pokémon.”

Bell glanced over and saw what seemed to be a Haunter behind Sabrina. From what it seemed, this gym was for Psychic Pokémon. Many people have stated that they were developing their abilities as psychics. Bell was once again upset by this, why does the Sabrina have a Pokémon that is not her specialty? Is it going to be that way with all Gym Leaders?

“I choose Kadabra.” Sabrina said. A Pokéball rolled out of nowhere and opened slowly to reveal Kadabra.

“Geodude!” Kanan sent out his Pokémon, it seemed stronger than ever to Bell.

“Psybeam!” Sabrina ordered. Kadabra sent the attack flying towards Geodude, who managed to hold itself in it’s position.

“Rock Throw!”

The attack seemed useless. Kadabra easily teleported out of the way after Sabrina ordered it to. It then used Psybeam again, under Sabrina’s orders. Geodude was knocked out easily.

Bell admired Sabrina’s strength. Although she wanted Kanan to lose, she knew that at this rate, she would only see Kadabra battling, and none of her other Pokémon.

Kanan sent out Beedrill, who was also easily taken out due to the type advantage Sabrina had. The same thing happened to Nidoran. The battle was over faster than any had expected.

Sabrina smiled and withdrew her Kadabra.

“You may leave now,” Sabrina said. “Unless you want to challenge me young girl.”

“I won’t,” Bell said. “My Pokémon need resting. We will battle eventually.”

“Very well then,” Sabrina laughed. “I look forward to battling you.”

***

The pair left the Gym and returned to the Pokémon Center. Kanan healed his Pokémon and wondered how to beat Sabrina. Bell quickly brought up the fact that Sabrina had a Ghost Pokémon, even though she was a Psychic Pokémon Trainer. Kanan shrugged it off and went back into planning for his next battle. Bell recognized his state now as the one she had been in after Misty defeated her.

Bell spent the rest of the night talking to Jane, who was back at the Pokémon Center. They kept each other company until they both felt it was time to sleep. Bell looked around but couldn’t find Kanan. That didn’t matter to her at all, she guessed that he needed some time on his own, just like her when she was in his position.

She quickly fell asleep, determined to battle Sabrina as soon as she waked up.

***

Chapter 12
The Delay

Bell woke up later than usual. She had neglected her sleep during the time she was obsessing over her loss to Misty. Kanan was still nowhere to be found. After getting ready and eating some food, Bell headed for the exit. She was ready to challenge Sabrina.

There was a hint of a cold breeze. Bell could see some Trainers practicing against each other. She hoped to catch sight of Jane, though she knew that Jane was going to leave Saffron City, and probably has already. She also hoped to see Chris, though it was clearly impossible to see him. Chris was probably on his way to get his fifth Badge.

***

As she walked towards the Gym, Bell managed to see Kanan walking away from the direction of the Gym. Bell feared that Kanan had beaten her to defeating Sabrina.

“Where have you been?” Bell asked, hopeful that Kanan had not beaten Sabrina.

“I’ve been training,” Kanan said and Bell was relieved. “I am determined to win the next time I battle Sabrina. That’s why I’ve been training on Route 5 all night.”

“Are you serious?!” Bell shouted. “Take it easy! Your Pokémon are not machines!”

“You’ve been doing the same thing,” Kanan said, making it clear that he noticed his own situation. “If I hadn’t stopped you, you would’ve pushed your Pokémon to their limits and beyond.”

“Yes,” Bell finally came to the realization that she had pushed them too far. “And now I’m here to help you in the same way you helped me.”

Bell grabbed Kanan’s hand and walked him back to the Pokémon Center. There he healed his Pokémon and quickly fell asleep. Bell decided not to disturb him as he needed the sleep, she also decided not to battle Sabrina today. She had better things to do than to battle her. Her journey must wait.

Bell wandered around the town for a long time. She visited some of the most famous buildings. She also noticed for the first time another Gym next to Sabrina’s. The doors seemed open so she let herself in, and was soon greeted by someone.

“Welcome,” The guy said. “I am Black Belt Koichi. Would you like to train your Pokémon?”

“Do you mean battle?” Bell asked.

“Please introduce yourself, stranger,” Koichi said.

“I’m Bell,” She said with annoyance, Koichi’s request was reasonable, but he presented it very rudely. “I challenge you to a battle.”

“Very well,” Koichi said and picked his first Pokéball. “Choose your Pokémon.”

“Ivysaur!” Bell sent out her starter, who seemed to be refreshed and well rested.

“Hitmonlee!”

A Pokémon she had never seen before appeared out of the Pokéball. She couldn’t be bothered by learning more about it.

“Razor Leaf!” She gave the attack order. Ivysaur sent sharp leaves flying towards Hitmonlee. They seemed stronger, sharper and faster than the ones he used on Misty. This was another evidence that Bell had been pushing her Pokémon too far.

The attack didn’t seem to have a large effect on Hitmonlee.

“Hi Jump Kick!”

Hitmonlee jumped up into the air and descended with force onto Ivysaur, knocking it out. Bell was surprised by this, Ivysaur should have survived that attack, unless Hitmonlee was stronger than what it looked like.

The rest of the battle was the same. Her Pokémon all failed to knock out Hitmonlee.

“If you can’t defeat me,” Koichi started. “Then you won’t be able to beat Sabrina. How many Badges do you have?”

“Two,” Bell responded. “And I am sure that I can beat Sabrina.”

“You can’t beat Sabrina when you have only beaten two Gym Leaders,” Koichi said. “I would suggest visiting Vermillion City before battling Sabrina, and battling the Gym Leader there.”

Bell considered this. It was time for her to start accept advices, which is something she had rarely done in the past. She thanked Koichi and went back to the Pokémon Center, where she healed her Pokémon and retired for the night, she still needed a large amount of sleep.

***

She woke up in the morning, only to see Kanan walking back into the Pokémon Center.

“Where did you go?” Bell asked.

“I have something I need to tell you,” Kanan said. “I will go my own way now. You told me I could leave you back at Cerulean City, but I will take your request now.”

Bell didn’t know how to respond to this. Instead she just nodded and agreed to it. Kanan left the Pokémon Center and presumably Saffron City. Bell found that she cared far less than what she had expected. She gathered herself and got ready to head for Vermillion City.

***

Chapter 13
The Change

Bell crossed Route 6 with ease. She just battled a couple of Trainers and some wild Pokémon. She was in Vermillion City in less than an hour. She healed her Pokémon and prepared to take on the Gym Leader.

She caught sight of a mirror. That was when she realized that she was now on her own. Chris, Jane, and Kanan were all on their own way now. Tears started to well up in her eyes. She was finally traveling alone.

She stared at the mirror for a long time. She studied the way her hair was styled, it had been the same way since she left home. She undid her ponytail and her hair dropped below her shoulders, and some parts of it covered her face.

“You might want to cut your hair,” A girl approached her, she seemed to be her age with similar hair color but with brown eyes. “I can help you if you want.”

“Sure,” Bell accepted. “I was thinking about cutting it anyway.”

***

The girl, Libya, cut Bell’s hair. The pair kept each other company and talked while they were in the Pokémon Center. Bell knew that this small encounter wasn’t going to change anything about the fact that she was on her own now. Libya soon went on her own way, presumably to offer free help to other Trainers.

Bell’s hair was now relatively short. She took another look at the mirror. She knew that it was time for her to stop pushing her Pokémon and to stop allowing her goals to hinder her instead of help her. It was time for a change.

She traveled to Route 11 to train her Pokémon, after battling a few wild ones, she was approached by a Trainer.

“I’m Youngster Dillon!” He said, seemingly too excited. “I challenge you to a battle! You can’t back out! Go, Sandshrew!”

“Alright,” Bell was excited as well. “I choose Nidoran!”

Bell sent out her least used Pokémon, it was time to train her instead of just letting her battle one or two Pokémon between each Gym battle.

“Scratch it, Sandshrew!”

Sandshrew attack Nidoran viciously, and cause it to back away a few steps. Bell new that Nidoran was not used to this, but she had to battle. But Bell didn’t want to push Nidoran too far.

“Poison Sting!” Bell choose a long ranged attack in order to keep Nidoran safe.

Nidoran opened it’s mouth and shot several small needles at Sandshrew. Who responded by attacking it again. Nidoran was weakened severely by the second attack and Bell withdrew it.

“Ivysaur!” Bell threw it’s Pokéball and the grass Pokémon formed out of the white energy. “Razor Leaf!”

Sandshrew was quickly knocked out by this attack. And Dillon sent his next Pokémon, a Zubat.

Bell withdrew Ivysaur and sent her always ready for battle Pokémon, Pidgey.

“Sand Attack!” Bell ordered. Pidgey was again frustrated by this command, he wanted to attack the opponent not to strategize, but he obeyed nonetheless.

“SuperSonic!” Dillon ordered, and Zubat clearly missed.

“Gust!” Pidgey was now excited, it even seemed to grin as it turned it’s head halfway to see Bell. The gust of wind was fiercer than ever, and it managed to knock Zubat out, surprisingly.

“You won,” Dillon stated the obvious. “Congratulations.”

Bell made quick work of the other trainers. Nidoran managed to defeat only one Pokémon, a Poliwag. Ivysaur and Jolteon weren’t used much. Pidgey defeat many Pokémon with ease.

Bell then returned to the Pokémon Center, and healed her Pokémon. She spent the rest of the night talking to her Pokémon and encouraging them for their upcoming Gym battle. They all seemed excited this time, even Ivysaur, who was only interested in pleasing Bell.

Bell thought about her journey and how it changed her a lot during the small amount of time she was away from home. She thought about how proud her father would be now if he had seen her. How her mother would question her about whether or not she is eating enough portions of food, getting enough amount of sleep, personal hygiene. She then thought about where Chris is by now, he probable got his fourth Gym Badge. Jane was surely just wandering around aimlessly. Kanan was either challenging Sabrina or in another city by now.

Her mind then wandered to when she first saw Sahiba and Eisig, and all her encounters with them. The mysterious man who had given her the Eevee, which is now a Jolteon. And at last, her battles with Forrest and Misty, and how they were harder than she had expected. She finally wandered off to a dreamless sleep.

***

She woke up early in the morning. Got ready for her Gym battle, and walked off towards the Gym.

She was greeted by what seemed to be an insult.

“Oh look,” The Gym Leader said. “Another baby here to challenge me.”

“My name is Bell.” Bell didn’t know to react to his insult except by stating her name.

“I’m Lt. Surge,” He said. “Today is the day you will lose, baby.”

***

Chapter 14
The Electric Shock

Bell disliked the Gym Leader’s attitude immediately. Lt. Surge seemed very condescending and thought highly of himself. He regarded her as inferior to him, and Bell decided that she would not lose this battle. Bell needed to win in her first try in order to prove herself. Her Pokémon were eager to battle.

Although she was unaware of it, this battle was going to be the hardest one in her journey so far.

***

“I choose Raichu!” Lt. Surge sent out the evolved form of Pikachu. It seemed to have a menancing look in it’s eyes, and looked more threatening than Pikachu could ever hope to look.

“I choose Jolteon!” Bell knew that if this Gym specialized in Electric Pokémon, her Jolteon would be useless against later Pokémon, who will defiantly be stronger than Raichu.

“ThunderShock!” Lt. Surge ordered. Raichu jumped up into the air and aimed at Jolteon, then sent electricity through the Pokémon. The attack was stronger than Jolteon had expected and she fell to the ground, getting up a few seconds later.

“What a pathetic Pokémon,” Lt. Surge laughed. “You really think you can win against me with such a weak Pokémon?!”

“Quick Attack!” Bell ignored Lt. Surge’s insults and concentrated on the battle. She knew that if she wanted to win against a vicious opponent, she had to keep her head in the game.

Jolteon ran with maximum speed towards Raichu and threw it’s body at it. Raichu seemed unaffected and grinned at Jolteon.

“Mega Punch!” LT. Surge ordered. Raichu raised it’s arms and delivered an attack that came in contact with the top of Jolteon’s head. The attack was so strong that Jolteon slammed it’s body against the floor and started to bleed from it’s forehead.

“That was unnecessary!” Bell shouted at the Raichu. She withdrew her Jolteon, and feared for it’s life.

“Stop whining you baby!” Lt. Surge shouted. “If you can’t handle the challenge then get out of this Gym and never come back!”

Bell started to hate this Gym Leader, she wanted to defeat this arrogant person and make him regret ever insulting her.

“Nidoran!” Bell sent out her next Pokémon in hopes of poisoning the opponent.

“An un-evolved Pokémon?!” Lt. Surge laughed at the Nidoran. “Do you really think an un-evolved-“

“Poison Sting!” Bell played the same strategy she used against Misty, and the attack hit, but failed to poison Raichu.

“I see,” Lt. Surge smiled. “Now you’re serious, I guess I’ll have to-“

“Again!” Bell managed to get Nidoran to attack twice in a row. Raichu was still standing tall however, and still not poisoned.

“ThunderShock!” Lt. Surge ordered, and it was no surprise to Bell when Nidoran was knocked out after just one attack. Bell was just relieved that Nidoran didn’t suffer as much a serious injury as Jolteon.

“It was a useless decision,” Lt. Surge mocked her. “Sending an un-evolved Pokémon against Raichu. It just shows how weak and pathetic you are.”

“Are you always that rude?” Bell asked, her tone was harsher than before.

“You’re just a weak baby,” HE responded with another insult. “It is impossible to defeat me with such weak Pokémon! I am the greatest trainer in Kanto and I will always win! There is no question as to whether or not my abilities are greater than all of yours!”

Bell didn’t understand the last part, it seemed as if Lt. Surge was angry at her, probably for allowing Nidoran to attack twice in a row.

“So you’re undefeated?” Bell said, hoping to distract Lt. Surge’s attention from the battle, so she could use the same strategy she used against Misty.

“That is not the point!” He responded, shouting at Bell. “It’s doesn’t matter! All that matters is that you will all cower in my presence, and I will be the-“

“Shut up!” Bell finally snapped, and a look of surprise appeared on Lt. Surge’s face. “You keep saying that you’re the greatest ever, yet you keep avoiding my questions! Someone must have defeated you in such a humiliating way that you can’t get over it! Was it with an un-evolved Pokémon?! Was the defeat so humiliating that you have to prove yourself?!”

“How dare you?!” Lt. Surge shouted back at her. “I am the-“

“Pidgey!” Bell threw a Pokéball onto the arena. “Use Gust!”

Pidgey exploded out of the Pokéball and summoned a gust that was strong enough to actually knock onto it’s back. Lt. Surge and Raichu were both surprised by this attack.

“Another un-evolved-“

“Gust again!” Bell didn’t even give Lt. Surge a chance. She was determined to win. Pidgey being her most competitive Pokémon delivered another strong attack. This time Raichu had anticipated it and managed to get up despite the wind.

“Thunderbolt!”

The attack electrified Pidgey and caused it to fall to the ground, seemingly dead.

***

Bell looked in horror at the motionless Pidgey. She realized that she was attached to her first capture more than she realized. What seemed like hours passed in a few seconds, and Bell froze while she feared for Pidgey, as well as Jolteon, who was seriously injured inside the Pokéball.

The opponents seemed to grin simultaneously. Bell realized that once again, she was dragged into the battle and neglected her Pokémon’s health. This time, it may have actually cost her something dear to her.

***

Chapter 15
The Loyal Pokémon

“Send out your next Pokémon,” Lt. Surge said, seemingly not regretting anything he has done to Pidgey. “I don’t have all day, someone is waiting to battle after you.”

Bell didn’t hear anything that Lt. Surge had said. She has left the world around her and was staring aimlessly at Pidgey.

“Get up,” She said in a low voice. “Please, get up.”

***

Raichu wanted to attack Pidgey again, but it was not going to attack without orders from Lt. Surge. Ironically, Lt. Surge would have ordered it to attack had he not been dwelling and enjoying Bell’s shock, unaware that a further attack would destroy her even more, pleasing him further.

Pidgey suddenly twitched, and hope returned to Bell. Pidgey kept twitching rapidly, and suddenly picked itself up and rose up into the air.

“Impossible!” Lt. Surge shouted.

“Alright Pidgey!” Bell’s excitement returned to her. “Use Sand Attack!”

Pidgey obeyed. It knew that Bell knew what she was doing and was looking out for him. As much as he hated not using damaging moves, he had to stay loyal to Bell.

“Thunderbolt!” Lt. Surge shouted at Raichu. “Make sure it doesn’t get up ever again!”

Pidgey’s attack hit Raichu’s eyes and it struggled to get the sand out. Meanwhile, Pidgey smiled at Bell, who smiled back at him. Pidgey then started glowing, it was starting to evolve.

Being her most used Pokémon outside Gym battles, he was bound to evolve sooner than later. Pidgey grew in size considerably. His head-crest grew in size as well as his tail. The white light disappeared from around Pidgeotto.

Pidgeotto smiled at Bell then grinned at Raichu. In it’s moment of arrogance, Raichu managed to take careful aim and cause a powerful Thunderbolt to crash onto Pidgeotto. This time it fell to the ground unconscious, but clearly not dead.

Bell regretted ever dwelling in that moment. Her Pokémon’s moment to shine was taken away easily, and she was now down to just one Pokémon, Ivysaur.

“Raichu has managed to take out three of your Pokémon,” Lt. Surge laughed. “And you still haven’t dealt any serious damage to-“

“Ivysaur! Razor Leaf!” Bell laughed at Lt. Surge for falling for the same trick so many times. He was all power and no brains.

Ivysaur emerged out of the Pokéball, eager to battle. He sent many sharp leaves flying towards Raichu at uneven speed. The attack harmed Raichu greatly, considering the fact that it didn’t see it coming.

“PoisonPowder!” Bell ordered. Ivysaur seemed to like strategizing the battles more than just attacking the opponent, opposite to Pidgeotto.

Raichu was poisoned by this attacked, and Bell knew that Raichu would lose this battle.

“Thunderbolt!” Lt. Surge shouted at Raichu. Thankfuly for Bell, the attack missed, as it looked stronger than it’s previous attacks.

“Take Down!”

Ivysaur ran towards Raichu and threw it’s weight at it. The two Pokémon were harmed, but Raichu was knocked out. Lt. Surge returned his Pokémon to it’s Pokéball.

“Congratulations,” He said. “You have won the battle.”

“You mean you only had one Pokémon?” Bell was surprised she expected to have a lot of trouble facing his other Pokémon.

“By just training one Pokémon, I have managed to make it unmatched.”

Bell thought about it, maybe Lt. Surge wasn’t as dump as she thought he was. Lt. Surge produced the Thunder Badge, which looked like a sunflower. Bell regarded it as weird and unrelated to Electric Pokémon.

She accepted the Badge, and rushed to the Pokémon Center to heal her Pokémon. She was informed that not many people manage to defeat Lt. Surge, and a lot end up with seriously injured Pokémon.

Her Pokémon managed to stay alive, and survived the treatment. Bell congratulated all of them. Ivysaur was excited for the first time about a battle. Pidgeotto was angry that he didn’t manage to defeat Raichu. Nidoran just hang her head in shame, fearing that she has failed Bell, who comforted her. Jolteon was happy for the win and excited for Bell.

The Pokémon clearly needed a lot of rest. Even though they were healed, they were still very tired from the toughest battle they have gone through so far. Ivysaur was the only one unharmed, and that was out of sheer luck.

Bell spent the rest of the day wandering around Vermillion City. She thought about Chris, if he had beaten Lt. Surge yet. She then thought about Kanan, if he would have as much difficulty as her with the vicious Gym Leader. She then decided to call home, using the Center’s video telephone.

After a long talk with her mom, and after showing her all Pokémon that were on her team now, they talked about all the battles she had with the Gym Leaders. How hard they were and how much Bell suffered during them. She told her mom about Kanan and his family. They then talked about Bell’s dad and how proud he would have been of Bell.

They ended the conversation by Bell showcasing her Badges, her mom telling her all the usual stuff about keeping up to date with herself, admiring Bell’s new haircut, and each telling the other how much they missed them. After hanging up, she went back to the trainer’s room of the Pokémon Center, the room was usually crowded and she had to sleep on the floor in the waiting area in the other cities. But this time she managed to find a bed and spent the rest of the night admiring her journey before she fell asleep.

***

Bell woke up not too early nor late. She got ready to go to her next destination, which was back to Saffron City. Sabrina didn’t seem as tough as Lt. Surge was, and she decided that it was time to get her fourth Badge.

She left Vermillion City, went back through Route 5 and reached Saffron City. Before going straight to the Saffron City Gym, she wandered around the city for a while, hoping to find Kanan, maybe he had returned to this city. Bell quickly shrugged off that idea, and got ready for her Gym battle.

***

Chapter 16
The Diversion

Bell went up to the Saffron City Gym. She attempted to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge at all.

“Welcome back Bell,” Sabrina said from behind the closed doors. “I am very disappointed in you. I expected you to challenge me the day after I met you, but you never showed up.”

“I never promised to challenge you the day after I met you,” Bell explained. “I said that we will eventually battle.” Bell’s memory was strong and she managed to remember things easily.

“But that was what you implied,” Sabrina said. “So now I want to play a game.”

“You want me to play a game before I can go through these doors?” Bell asked.

“If you can get two more Gym Badges then I will let you in to challenge me.”

Before Bell could say anything, she was knocked back by a force field. Bell had heard of Sabrina’s Psychic abilities and guessed that it was her who knocked her back.

***

Bell wandered around Saffron City aimlessly. She knew that the closest Gym was in Celadon City, and to reach it she had to cross Route 7. Bell tried negotiating with Sabrina many times but failed each time.

Bell finally decided to go to Celadon City. She crossed Route 7, which was the same as all the routes leading to Saffron City, short and not crowded. Celadon City was more flourished than Bell had expected, it was almost as big as Saffron.

As Bell walked around, observing the buildings and all the trainers with their Pokémon, she spotted Kanan. He seemed happier than the last time she saw him, and walking around with a Graveler, Geodude must have evolved.

“Kanan,” She called out to him and waves. “Over here!”

Kanan turned his head and his smile extended as he saw Bell. “Bell!” He called back to her. “I’m so happy to see you!”

The pair walked towards each other and hugged. Graveler seemed happy to see Bell as well. The pair decided to head out to Route 7, where they sent out all their Pokémon and had a “Picnic”. The pair rested for a while and caught up. Kanan had defeated Sabrina and Erika, bringing his Badge total to four. His Geodude evolved into a Graveler against Erika.

As they observed, they found that their Nidoran loved playing with each other more than with the other Pokémon. Kanan congratulated Bell on evolving Pidgey into Pidgeotto. They were both surprised that the other didn’t catch any additional Pokémon.

Bell was relieved to know that Erika didn’t have any Pokémon that weren’t native to Kanto or weren’t of her specialty, which is Grass. After thinking about it, she realized that the same can be said for Lt. Surge.

“Is she a tough battler?” Bell enquired.

“Not really,” Kanan replied. “She’s quite easy to defeat. I didn’t have that much trouble even though she had a type advantage. What about Lt. Surge?”

“He was extremely tough to beat,” Bell said. “He only has one Pokémon, a Raichu. It was strong enough to knock out Jolteon, Nidoran and Pidgeotto without receiving any serious injuries.”

“And Ivysaur managed to knock it out?”

“Yes,” Bell said. “It was out of sheer luck, really. Pidgeotto’s Sand Attack was the factor that won me the battle, as well as PoisonPowder. I also had to rely heavily on the tactic I used against Misty.”

“Do you think I’ll be able to win easily?”

“You do have Graveler, who is unaffected by Electric Pokémon.”

“Attacks,” Kanan corrected her. “What if Raichu was strong enough to affect Graveler?”

“That’s nonsense,” Bell laughed. “Raichu won’t be able to affect Graveler even if it was soaked in water.”

Bell and Kanan returned to Celadon City with their Pokémon following them. Kanan led Bell to the Celadon Department Store, which was the biggest shopping centre in Kanto.

The pair climbed up to the third floor, they had returned most of their Pokémon to their Pokéballs except for the Nidoran, who were still walking together and following their trainers.

“Thieves!” Someone shouted, the sound came from the fourth floor, and a scream was heard, followed by a thud.

Kanan rushed up the stairs, followed by Bell and the Nidoran couple. There was a rough explosion that caused everyone who was going up the stairs to trip. Bell’s head smashed against the wall and she blacked out for a few seconds.

She opened her eyes to see people running past her in horror, many were tripping down the stairs, and the others didn’t care for them. She looked around to find that she is not of the stairs anymore, the Nidoran have dragged her up the stairs to safety on the fourth floor.

She got up and looked around. There was a huge hole on the side of the building. In front of it stood two familiar figures, Eisig and Sahiba. Pikachu and Jigglypuff were standing in front of them facing Kanan. Bell and the Pokémon joined Kanan and got ready to face the pair.

Eisig was holding a Thunderstone, while Sahiba was holding a Moon Stone.

“I got this from the old man,” Sahiba laughed as she held the Moon Stone high. “He tried to resist. But I got it eventually. Eisig acquired his Thunderstone from that stupid man who tried to charge us for it.”

Eisig simply laughed and threw his stone at Pikachu. Sahiba copied him. Pikachu and Jigglypuff started evolving into their Raichu and Wigglytuff. The Pokémon looked more threatening now. And Bell knew from experience how tough a Raichu can be, but she doubted it would be as tough as Lt. Surge’s Raichu.

“Thunderbolt!” Eisig immediately ordered, the targets were the pair of Nidoran, who jumped in front of Bell and Kanan to defend them.

“Double Slap!” Sahiba ordered her newly evolved Pokémon, and it charged towards the Nidoran.

“Poison Sting!” Bell and Kanan ordered simultaneously. The Nidoran shot the attacks at Wigglytuff, who got poisoned quickly. Raichu’s attack managed to come in contact with Bell’s Nidoran and it fell to the ground temporarily, only to be helped up by Kanan’s Nidoran.

“Double Kick!” Kanan ordered. His Nidoran ran towards Wigglytuff, whose previous attack was stopped. Bell’s Nidoran followed it without orders. The pair attacked Wigglytuff in the same manner in which they battled the first time before they were captured by Bell and Kanan.

“Thunderbolt!” Eisig ordered once more. This time the attack hit both Pokémon and threw them apart.

***

The roof started to collapse as the walls cracked even more. The hole got even bigger. Eisig and Sahiba withdrew their Pokémon and jumped out of the hole they had created. Bell and Kanan couldn’t be bothered to see how they would land. Their Pokémon were in danger. They each ran up to their respective Pokémon before the roof gave away and collapsed completely.

Some people were still in the building. The appropriate authorities were on the scene, protecting civilians. Erika was also there, helping treat the wounded. Eisig and Sahiba managed to get away without being caught, as chaos was everywhere. Bell opened her eyes, it seemed as if the counters all around the floor managed to protect her from the rubble. She looked around in hopes of finding Kanan, and what she saw surprised her.

***

...Thumbs up. I like the different color text. And the story is fairly original.

Originally Posted by Mikey Boy

...Thumbs up. I like the different color text. And the story is fairly original.

Thank you for your comment. Glad to see you like my story.

Chapter 17
The Return

There was a bright white light. It soon faded away to reveal a Nidorina. At first it seemed like a larger version of Nidoran♀, but then Bell noticed slight differences such as the lack of whiskers, horn, and the fact that she was standing on her hind legs.

It was Nidorina who was holding the rubble up, she soon threw it away to reveal Kanan on the other side of the room, with Nidorino.

***

After having their mild injuries attended to, Bell and Kanan went to the Pokémon Center, where they healed their newly evolved Pokémon. They were then interviewed by the authorities about what happened, and they gave a description of Eisig and Sahiba. Bell requested that they call and check if the old man north of Cerulean is fine, and he was.

After finishing any formal business they had concerning that subject, they returned to rest in the Pokémon Center. There they encountered Chris. He informed Bell that he had gone through Saffron, Vermillion and Fuchsia. Bringing his total Badges to five. He had yet to challenge the Gyms in Celadon, Viridian and Cinnabar.

He didn’t stay much to talk. He went to challenge Erika as soon as his Pokémon were healed. Kanan also informed Bell that he would have to go on his way again, and left as well. Bell felt alone once again, but she knew that Kanan needed to go to Vermillion to get his fifth Badge, while Chris needed to challenge Erika to get his sixth Badge. She realized that she was falling behind, Chris will soon have double the number of Badges she has. Kanan will surely follow him if she falls back even more. She could no longer take her time during Gym battles.

Although she hated it, she had to stay at the Pokémon Center for the rest of the day. She went to sleep as soon as the sun descended and forgot the world around her.

***

When she woke up, the city was back to normal, and the chaos was over. The building was temporarily covered by sheets and is being rebuilt. There were many stalls outside the building; they were selling all the stuff they were supposed to be selling. Bell knew that Eisig and Sahiba had gotten away, and she wanted them found. She promised herself to do whatever she can next time she sees them, in order to turn them in.

Instead of heading out into the Gym, Bell decided to catch a new Pokémon. She found that her team needed a new member. She loves the Pokémon she currently own, but she felt the need for a new addition. Bell soon reminded herself that she mustn’t waste anymore time and go ahead and challenge Erika.

She entered the Gym and was greeted by the Gym Leader Erika.

“Welcome to my Gym,” Erika said. “Are you here to challenge me or to learn how to make perfumes?”

“No, I am here to battle,” Bell responded. “And earn my Badge.”

“It’s not yours yet,” Erika responded. “Let’s see if you can win.”

***

Erika started by sending out a Tangela. Bell thought about saving Pidgeotto for the end, and as such sent out Ivysaur.

“Take Down!” Bell ordered. Ivysaur threw it’s body at Tangela and managed to cause a considerable amount of damage to it.

“Constrict!” Erika said. Tangela’s attack did very little damage. And the Pokémon was quickly knocked out with another Take Down from Ivysaur.

Bell regarded this victory as extremely easy, perhaps Erika wasn’t as tough as all the other Gym Leaders. Erika withdrew Tangela and sent out her next Pokémon, a Weepinbell.

Weepinbell didn’t seem like much of a threat, it seemed quite week. Bell wondered if Erika became Gym Leader because of her looks, she seemed to be a different version of Lt. Surge. He had a tough exterior and strong Pokémon. Erika had good looks and no talent in battling. This was going to be an easy win.

***

Chapter 18
The The New & The Old

Weepinbell proved to be weak as well. It kept using Razor Leaf to no avail; it was quickly knocked out by Ivysaur, who knocked itself out as well by using Take Down.

Erika sent out her next and last Pokémon, Gloom. To no surprise to Bell, it was quickly taken care of by Pidgeotto. She had ordered Pidgeotto to use Sand Attack, but Gloom’s only defense seemed to be it’s smell. Pidgeotto’s Gust knocked it out quickly.

Bell received the Rainbow Badge, which looked like a flower colored in the colors of the rainbow. Bell was happy when she saw it, it had some originality to it and it was a colorful Badge. It was nice to look at.

***

Bell returned to the Pokémon Center where she healed her Pokémon. She then chose her next destination, Fuchsia City. Bell walked out to Route 16, but she was denied entry because she didn’t have a Bicycle. Thus Bell had to go back through Celadon City, Route 7, Saffron City, where she tried to go into the Gym again, but Sabrina denied her entry once more.

Bell then went through Route 6 and reached Vermillion City. She quickly found herself in Route 11, where she trained before taking on Lt. Surge. Bell quickly realized that she is obsessing over her win over Lt. Surge too much, and decided to think about it anymore.

Bell decided that she would catch a new Pokémon before battling the Fuchsia Gym. Bell had no idea what the Fuchsia Gym Leader was specialized in. She should have asked Chris and planned her moves.

As she traveled, she saw Kanan training his Pokémon against each other. She guessed that he managed to defeat Lt. Surge.

“Hey,” She started. “Did you defeat Lt. Surge?”

Bell soon realized that she had just mentioned Lt. Surge again. She couldn’t help but feel proud about winning against him and it seems that she just can’t get over that win yet.

“Yes,” Kanan said. “He was kind of easy to beat. You probably had difficulties because you had no type advantage.”

Bell shifted her attention to his Pokémon; he had one new addition to his team, a Growlithe.

“I caught it after I left Celadon City,” He said. “It was in Route 7.”

“Congratulations,” She said. “Are you heading to Fuchsia City as well?”

“Yeah,” He said. “I’m guessing you didn’t have any problems defeating Erika.”

“She was not the toughest Gym Leader,” Bell laughed. “I had more trouble with Forrest.”

“I wonder if anyone actually had any trouble with her.”

“Probably not,” Bell replied. “Do you think there are any good Pokémon around here?”

“I haven’t found any,” Kanan said. “But you can feel free to look for yourself.”

***

Bell wandered away from Kanan. She was searching for a new Pokémon, while Kanan was training his. After many encounters with Ekans, who seemed to be dominating the route, Bell encountered a Drowzee.

Bell knew that it was a Psychic Pokémon. It would make a good addition to her team. Drowzee noticed Bell easily, and prepared to defend itself.

“Go, Pidgeotto!” Bell sent out her most ferocious attacker. “Use Sand Attack!”

Pidgeotto obeyed, but as usual, didn’t like it. Drowzee seemed to try to perform an attack, but it probably missed.

“Use Sand Attack again!”

Pidgeotto obeyed once more. And again, Drowzee’s attack missed. Bell was satisfied, but she knew that Drowzee knew how to put Pokémon to sleep, and she had to prevent that. Bell ordered another Sand Attack. Pidgeotto looked back at her, gave her what seemed like an evil look, and used Gust.

Bell was surprised, but she guessed it was for the best; Drowzee seemed to be really tired. Bell produced an empty Pokéball and threw it at Drowzee. The Pokéball shook for a few seconds, but ultimately settled down.

“Congratulations,” Kanan said from behind Bell. “Drowzee will surely help you.”

“You were watching?” Bell said as she withdrew Pidgeotto and picked up Drowzee’s Pokéball.

“Yes,” He said. “We should get going now.”

Bell followed Kanan and the pair was soon in Route 12. The only needed to go through a Lookout Station to reach it. It was mainly a bridge built over water. Bell and Kanan both battled some trainers on their way. And they soon found themselves on Route 13. They finished crossing Silence Bridge and crossed the route, which was just a long route.

Bell managed to train many of her Pokémon here, mainly Nidorina, Jolteon, and Drowzee. Kanan trained his Pokémon equally. They found their way to Route 14, where Bell encountered Jane, who was searching for a Ditto. After a quick chat, they continued on their way.

By the time the pair had reached Route 15, they were both exhausted, and they thought that their Pokémon could not handle any more battling. They managed to avoid battles and finally reached Fuchsia City.

The first thing they did was heal their Pokémon, then they had a meal and took shelter in the Pokémon Center. This city was not very crowded and they managed to find beds for themselves. The sun set down and the pair retired to their respective beds.

***

Bell examined her Pokédex’s information regarding her Pokémon. None of them was close to evolving, which disappointed her, she had expected them to be ready to evolve from all the battles. She then wondered about how her luck was very high at the start of her journey, but had slowly become normal.

She then wondered about the mysterious man who had given her the Eevee, now a Jolteon. Finally, before going to sleep, she thought about her father. What he would say to her, and what his advices would have been. She was determined to become as good as her father, or even better. It was her goal.

***