It's time for Jellic's first Pokemon battle! C&C is always welcome!
Jellic�s Hateful Quest
Chapter 3: A Screech in Time Saves Nine Lives...
With a flourish, Ashley waved her arms to take in the entire city.
�Welcome to Sage City, Jellic. It�s not a major city yet, but we�re
hoping to open an official Pokemon gym here within a month or two.�
�Being in a village reminds me of the good old days,� Jellic
reminisced. �I�d stop at an inn every night to rest for the next day�s
questing. The shops always sold armor that fit perfectly and weapons
that were more powerful than what I already had. And the food -- was
terrible. Somehow, peasant village food always left me desiring so much
more; but at least it was filling. How�s the food in this town?�
�It�s okay. But first we have to heal your Pokemon and get you
registered as a trainer.� Ashley led Jellic to a large building that
looked like a hospital, but featured a �POKEMON CENTER� sign above the
door. Inside, Jellic was greeted by stares from all around. �This is
Jellic, an interdimensional warrior. He wants to register to become a
Pokemon trainer, and he already caught a Machop and a Meowth.�
The people in the Pokemon center began to whisper among themselves.
Jellic heard a few snippets: �Started with a Machop?� �Interdimensional
warrior?� �What kind of name...?� Suddenly, the entire room seemed to
simultaneously reach the consensus that they really didn�t want to know
any more, and went back to their business. Jellic approached the nurse
behind the desk.
�Excuse me, miss. Is this where you heal Pokemon?�
�That�s right. Are you a registered Pokemon trainer?�
�Not yet. Can I register here?�
�Sure,� replied the nurse, sliding a form and a pencil across the
desk. �Just hand me your Pokeballs, and I�ll put them in the Rejuvenator
while you fill in your paperwork.� Jellic handed over the Pokeballs, and
the nurse placed them into two of the six round grooves in the top of
the small box-like machine behind her. The machine began to hum softly.
�Oh dear. This Machop is in poor shape. It�s been badly burned. You
should carry some ointment in the future just in case something like
this happens again.�
�Thanks for the hint,� said Jellic, turning his attention to the
form. He gave his name and age, but was a little bit lost at �Home
Village or City.� Eventually, he settled on �Other� and continued. For
�Mentor� he entered �Ashley� and for �First Pokemon� he answered
�Machop.� The rest of the questions were trivial: food preference,
favorite color, three words that begin with �t� but don�t have an �e� in
them... Then he came to the long blank after �Why do you want to become
a Pokemon trainer?� After a bit of hesitation, he wrote, �To strike the
evil from this world.� He slid the form back across the desk just as the
nurse returned with his Pokebelt and Pokeballs. She removed his two full
Pokeballs from the Rejuvenator and placed them into two of the loops in
his belt.
�Ooh, I love reading these forms,� said the nurse, skimming over the
document. �They�re really not as important as you�d expect -- mostly we
just need the names of potential future members of the Pokemon League.
Evil? Oh, there�s no evil around here. Maybe up at Karddor Labs, but not
here.�
�Where�s this Karddor Labs place? And what�s so evil about it?�
asked Jellic, strapping on his belt and stuffing his Pokeballs into his
satchel.
�It�s way up north, at least a week�s journey. And it�s not really
evil, just not a place I�d want to visit. They experiment on Pokemon
there, teaching them new techniques and trying to create new breeds of
Pokemon. I can�t imagine that the Pokemon are happy there at all. But, I
�m just a Pokemon nurse trying to make a living by healing Pokemon, so I
guess I can�t complain. Here�s your financial advance.� She handed
Jellic a small stack of bills. Jellic estimated its value at about ten
thousand, give or take.
�Thanks. Maybe I�ll see you again sometime.�
�Maybe you will,� replied the nurse, �If you hang around this town
for a while. Most trainers are so eager to begin their journeys that
they leave their hometowns without ever looking back. It�s sad, really.
Where are you from again? �Other?� Must be off to the east somewhere. I�
ve never heard of it before.�
�And you never will,� said Jellic, moving away from the desk to join
Ashley beside a computer of sorts with a tube coming from the top of it.
�So, how did the registration go?� she asked him, removing a
Pokeball from her belt.
�Not too bad. I�ve figured out where we�re going.�
�Oh?� She held the ball under the tube, and the ball was sucked up
into the computer. �Where�s that?�
�Someplace called Karddor Labs. They experiment with Pokemon. If
they aren�t trying to breed them for evil purposes, it will be the first
time I�ve ever missed my guess.�
Ashley tapped a few buttons on the computer keyboard and a Pokeball
fell out of the tube. She put it into the vacant slot of her belt.
�Well, it�s a long way there. We�ll have lots of time to catch some good
Pokemon and have some wild adventures along the way!�
�What did you just do with that computer?� asked Jellic.
�It�s a PC, a Pokemon Computer. Remember how when I caught the
Vulpix, it vanished?� Jellic nodded. �Well, this is where it went. The
computer stores all of the Pokemon that you can�t carry with you. I
decided to leave my Pidgeotto in the PC and carry my new Vulpix instead.
Once it learns some more moves, it will be a great fighter.�
�How many Pokemon do you have in there?� asked Jellic.
�Not many. Just the Pidgeotto and a Butterfree right now. I keep my
Wartortle and my Raticate with me all the time, because they were my
first two. I also have a Weepinbell, a Gengar, and a Beedrill in my
belt, as well as the Vulpix. I haven�t caught many Pokemon yet, but that
�s because I haven�t been far from the city. But I have had lots of time
to build up the few Pokemon that I have, so they�re quite powerful. Most
of them I caught in an earlier stage and they evolved.�
�Evolved? You mean the things get more powerful as you go along?�
�Right,� confirmed Ashley. �When some Pokemon get really powerful,
they evolve into a more powerful type. Your Machop is almost powerful
enough to evolve into a Machoke.�
�How do I make it powerful enough?�
�It has to win some battles. I�ll take you to the local gym to meet
some of the other trainers in town. Maybe some of them would like to
travel with us.�
�I prefer to travel light,� insisted Jellic, but Ashley was already
dragging him into the street, pointing out buildings as they passed by.
�That�s the Pokemart. You can buy potions and supplies there,
including extra Pokeballs in case you run out. And that�s our fishing
pond. Maybe later we can fish for a Magikarp. That�s about all we have
really. They�re useless until you can get them to evolve, but once you
do, they become Gyarados.�
�I take it Gyarados is powerful?�
�Look it up in your Pokedex,� said Ashley, pointing to the small
bookish device on Jellic�s belt that he hadn�t previously noticed. He
opened the book and a screen lit up. A small computerized voice spoke
from the Pokedex.
�I am the Pokedex belonging to Jellic of �Other�. He is an official
Pokemon trainer under the sponsorship of Ashley of Sage City.�
�Oh!� squealed Ashley, blushing. �You put me down as your sponsor?�
�I didn�t know anyone else,� admitted Jellic. He quickly deciphered
the keypad and tapped in a request for information about Gyarados. The
screen displayed a huge snakelike dragon with tiny flippers on its sides
and a wide mouth. As Jellic stared at it, impressed, the book began to
read the entry aloud.
�Gyarados, the water dragon. One of the longest and heaviest
Pokemon, this powerful creature evolves from the almost defenseless
Magikarp. Its flippers allow it to fly for short distances. Gyarados are
very rare in the wild because it is nearly impossible for wild Magikarp
to evolve. Only under the careful supervision of a skilled trainer can
this Pokemon be induced to evolve.�
�This book has a lot of information,� said Jellic, closing it.
�It can even determine some information about a Pokemon that�s never
been seen before,� advised Ashley. �Just point the infrared sensor on
the top of it at the Pokemon and your Pokedex will store whatever
information it can get.�
�That�s handy,� agreed Jellic, putting the Pokedex back into his
belt.
�Here we are. The Sage City Pokemon Gym,� Ashley said at last,
leading Jellic into a building that was much larger than most in the
city. The ceiling was quite high to allow room for Flying Pokemon to
maneuver, and to allow space for large Pokemon such as Gyarados. Most of
the trainers had five or six Pokemon in their belts. Jellic, still
feeling misgivings about carrying even two Pokemon, suddenly felt out of
place with such a small number. He realized what Ashley had meant about
Pokemon being a status symbol.
As he turned to Ashley to tell her that he didn�t belong in this
place, a friendly hand grabbed his and began to shake it vigorously. �I�
m Jason, leader of this Gym. I see you�re just starting out as a
trainer, and that�s great. It means you�ll still have a flexible style.
Once you get used to the different types of Pokemon, you�ll probably
have one or two favorites, but for now, it�s best to get experience with
every type. So what Pokemon do you have so far?�
�I�ve got a Machop and a Meowth, although I haven�t had a chance to
train either one very much.�
�Excellent! It just happens that I�ve recently traded off some of my
Pokemon for an Onix and a Ponyta. I haven�t had much experience with
them yet, so it will be an even match. What do you say?�
Jellic turned to Ashley. �What do you think my chances are?�
�Well, Onix is a Rock type Pokemon, which means that Machop would
have an advantage over it, but Meowth would be at a disadvantage. Ponyta
is a Fire type, so neither of your Pokemon would be at an advantage or a
disadvantage. Without knowing how powerful the individual Pokemon are, I
can�t really say more than that.�
�I�ll take that wager then. Are we putting any money on the line?�
Jason shrugged. �I don�t like to play for money against
inexperienced trainers. Let�s make this one a friendly match.� He led
Jellic to the large open center of the room. Jason stood behind the
white line at one end of the room, and Jellic stood behind the opposite
line. Jason held one Pokeball in each hand. �Here are the rules. One
Pokemon out at a time, no exceptions. You can recall your Pokemon at any
time as long as it�s willing to obey. Any attacks are permitted, but you
have to stay behind the white line. Any questions?� Jellic shook his
head. �Then begin! Ponyta, I choose you!�
Jason threw a Pokeball into the center of the room. A huge white
horse with a mane of fire emerged. It snorted flames and began to trot
around the room, waiting for Jellic to choose his first combatant.
Jellic palmed a Pokeball and threw it. �Go Meowth!� he shouted.
�Are you sure?� asked Ashley from beside him. �You haven�t had any
experience with Meowth at all.�
�I don�t want to wear out my champion fighter too early,� he
explained. �Quick, what are Meowth�s attacks?�
�Scratch and Bite are its best,� said Ashley. �It can also Growl,
but that�s just an intimidation move.�
�Intimidation is good. Meowth, Growl!� shouted Jellic, as the Ponyta
stopped prancing and turned to face its opponent. Meowth growled and
bared its sharp claws. The Ponyta stepped backwards.
�Ignore it, Ponyta!� shouted Jason. �Ember!�
�Meowth, dodge it!� commanded Jellic. The Meowth leapt away to avoid
the flaming projectile. �Good job! Now Scratch it!� The Meowth took to
the air, claws in front of it, prepared to gouge a chunk out of the
Ponyta�s skin.
�Tail Whip!� ordered Jason, and the Ponyta swung its entire body
around and smacked the Meowth with its flaming tail. Meowth fell to the
ground with a charred line crossing its belly. However, it landed on its
feet. Meowths always do.
�Go for it! Bite its tail!� The Meowth leapt again, exactly as
before. The Ponyta, thinking Meowth was trying to Scratch it, turned to
use the Tail Whip again.
�No, Ponyta! It�s a trick!� shouted Jason, but the Ponyta�s tail was
already directly in Meowth�s path. Meowth pulled its forepaws back at
the last second and clamped its jaws around the base of Ponyta�s tail.
The flames winked out.
�Now Scratch it!� shouted Jellic. Meowth�s claws flew, scratching
wide gouges in the Ponyta�s coat. Jason bit his lower lip, then held out
his Pokeball and recalled the Ponyta. He released his other Pokeball.
The ball opened and released a creature that was almost too tall to fit
into the room. It seemed as if many huge balls of stone had been glued
together to produce this monstrous snake with a mouth as large as the
Ponyta that it had replaced.
�Meet Onix!� taunted Jason as the Onix stared down at its opponent.
�Doesn�t look too tough,� returned Jellic, secretly wondering how
his tiny Pokemon could defeat such a monster. �Surely,� he thought to
himself, �this must be evidence that there are evil Pokemon as well
as -- those that aren�t quite so evil.� But he resolved to stand his
ground. �Meowth, Growl!�
�What are you doing?� whispered Ashley as Meowth bared its claws and
Growled at the Onix, which merely laughed. �Meowth�s claws and teeth are
no match for a Rock Pokemon!�
�I know what I�m doing,� Jellic whispered back. But Onix wasn�t
intimidated by the tiny Meowth. It knew which of the two combatants had
the advantage. Suddenly, the Meowth�s roar rose several octaves in pitch
and about fifty decibels. Most of the humans in the gym had to cover
their ears.
�What�s happening?� shouted Jellic over the noise.
�Meowth learned a new move: Screech! It�s even more intimidating
than Growl!�
�I can see why!� shouted Jellic as the Onix backed off slightly. Now
was his window of opportunity. �Meowth, go for it! Scratch!� The Meowth
charged at the Onix, its fear dissolved by the effects of its own
Screech.
�Onix, Tackle it!� The Onix, slightly stunned, recovered its
composure and swung its entire upper body down at the charging Meowth.
Jellic waited for the right moment, then raised the Pokeball and
recalled his Meowth. The Onix�s body crashed to the floor as the Meowth
vanished in a red beam and returned to its Pokeball.
�All right, Machop! Your turn!� shouted Jellic as he threw his last
Pokeball into the arena. The Machop burst forth from the Pokeball and
whirled on its opponent. �While it�s stunned, Karate Chop!� The Machop
swung its huge hand at the prostrate Onix, severely denting its head.
The Onix roared and immediately pulled itself up to full height.
�Onix, use his own tactics against him! Screech!� Onix inhaled
deeply and let out a huge bellow, forcing the spectators to cover their
ears once again. Machop cowered near Jellic, afraid to even move.
Jellic bent down to Machop�s ear. �Remember, we�re fearless
warriors. Never back down,� he whispered, and Machop stood just a little
straighter. Meanwhile, Onix decided that it had had enough of
intimidation tactics and went for the violent approach, once again
swinging its upper body to Tackle Machop -- and Jellic, who was so close
to Machop that he would be crushed as well if he didn�t move.
�Onix, no! Back down!� shouted Jason, but Onix was moving too
quickly at that point to stop. It slammed down onto Jellic and Machop.
But just before it landed, Machop swung its fist up, smashing the Onix
in the face with such force that it flew backwards, nearly crushing
Jason.
�Machop, finish it! Low Kick!� Machop charged at the helpless rock
snake, preparing to land a devastating kick. But before it could reach
its target, Jason recalled the Onix, ending the fight. �Is that it? You
surrender?� Jason nodded. �Machop, you did a great job. Time to get back
inside!�
�That was a great fight,� said Jason in an admiring tone. �You beat
both of my Pokemon.�
�It wasn�t that impressive,� said Jellic as Machop returned to its
Pokeball. �You said yourself, they were new. You hadn�t had much
experience training them.�
�But you haven�t had much experience training PERIOD,� noted Jason.
�You�re a natural! Once you catch a few more Pokemon and build up a
nice, varied party, you�ll be more than a match for any trainer in this
gym.� Jellic smiled slightly. �Now, how much were we playing for? A
hundred?�
�It was a friendly game,� insisted Jellic, but the Gym Leader forced
a hundred into Jellic�s satchel.
�I know money can be rather tight for a new trainer. Consider it a
subsidy.�
�Would you like to come with us, Jason?� asked Ashley. �We�re going
on a Pokemon journey as soon as we�ve got a few supplies.�
�Thanks, but I have to stay here at the Gym and keep the place up.
We�ll never be recognized by the Pokemon League without a Gym Leader.�
�I understand,� said Jellic, holding out his hand. Jason shook it
firmly, and Jellic smiled at his new friend. �Tomorrow morning, we will
leave Sage City and begin traveling to Karddor Labs.�
Jason�s smile vanished. �Karddor Labs? You�ll have a tough trek
then. The Forest of Mist, the Swamp of Sickness, and the Desert of Death
are along that road. Are you sure you don�t want to head toward nice,
safe Paprika Palace by way of lovely Zucchini Town?�
Jellic shook his head. �We�re on a mission to destroy evil, and that
�s what we�re going to do. But speaking of food, I�m getting hungry. Let
�s all get something to eat. My treat!�
�Okay,� said Jason. �But make sure to order something you really
like. If you�re really set on the path you�ve chosen, it may very well
be your last meal.�
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MOM: I'm getting rid of this TV before the mindless garbage rots your
brain!
JOHNNY: Mindless garbage not rot brain!
(SHAMPOO: Mindless Johnny not got brain to rot!)
"There's a billion places like home. But only one of them's where you
live." - Granny Weatherwax, "Witches Abroad" by Terry Pratchett
ED: My eyes are stuck! I can't open them!
EDDY: Open your eyes, Ed.
ED: (opens eyes) Thanks, Eddy.
My webpage: http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~katinamp