RE: Pokemon Blak-Chapter 2 Preview Up Pg 3
Chapter 2
A large crimson gate stood before the pair of boys, on the outskirts of Pallet Town. There were no doors; it was simply decorative. The arching top was intimidating, and Red and Blue had stopped in front of it, looking up in a daze. Since the roads had become so dangerous in recent years, neither of them had left the little town since they were very young children. Their Pokémon, however, were not concerned with this. Blue's Growlithe was panting happily at his heels, staring up at his trainer. Red's Psyduck was not so astute. He stared blankly off into the distance, still holding his head in his hands, his little black tuft twitching on his head.
“You...you brought a map, right?” asked Red, still staring up.
Blue snapped out of his trance, throwing down his rucksack and searching frantically through it. Eventually he pulled out a large roll of tattered paper.
“Got it from my sister, Daisy,” he commented, giving the map a once-over.
Red smiled. When he was younger, he had a crush on the fair-haired girl.
“Cut the grin. We've got a ways to walk,” he said, pulling the map over towards Red's line of sight.
“The best route would be to start in Viridian, go up to Pewter, through Mt. Moon, and into Cerulean,” he started, moving his finger across the map to outline the stops, “and, we plan from there. But...before that, I want to stop at the Victory Road. We can check out the gates, scope the area.”
“Yeah I suppose. Let's just get walkin',” said Red, going ahead.
Blue rolled up the map quickly, sticking it back in his rucksack and breaking into a fast walk.
“No patience...”
They started up the small incline, heels digging into the rain-soaked ground for support. Growlithe dashed up the path, running circles around his owner, while Psyduck only barely tripped along. Red looked back at a particularly eventful fall, planting the yellow Pokémon face-first in the dirt.
Gonna be a long walk.
Soon, they reached the top of the hill, and the road spread out before them. Tall grass swaying in the wind, spread out over trenches and terraces, rustling full of the Pokémon of Kanto. Brown-white Pidgey soared through the air, feathertips brushing the grass. Occasionally a Rattata poked its head out from the brush and scampered across the road, before darting back in. Red and his best friend stood together with their Pokémon at the head of it all, in awe of the sight. Far in the distance, Viridian City bustled on, but it as a blight compared to the simple significance of the grassy road before them. Taking a deep breath, they took the plunge, and began to run through the tall grass.
Red hastily snatched up Psyduck as he broke into his run, followed by Blue and his Growlithe who kept a sturdy pace behind them. Rattata scattered at their feet, not particularly interested in risking getting stepped on. Pidgey also flew from underfoot, taking wing as quickly as possible. Soon they tired, skidding around a corner in the road, then stopping to take deep, heaving breaths.
“New plan...manage travel effectively,” huffed Red, putting down Psyduck and falling back on his rear. Blue, though not as worn out from the run down the rocky terrain, stopped, slapping him on the back of the head, and sitting down with him.
“Pretty much. We're not going anywhere fast with you running around like some maniac.” he said smugly, pulling his legs together to sit crossed. Red sighed. He was really on his own, had gotten his first Pokémon, and about to travel the world with his lifelong friend. Total freedom.
Out of a nowhere, a wild Pidgey appeared.
Tumbling out of the grass, it landed on its back in front of them, hopping up onto its feet as best as it could. It narrowed its eyes at Red, emitting a shrill rasp from its beak. Red pulled his head, taken aback.
“What!? What the heck did I do to—oh.”
He has finally noticed what he had not before—that the Pidgey's tail feathers were almost completely crushed.
“Oh man, did I step on you? I'm sorry,” he apologized, standing up and brushing himself off. They stared at each other, trainer and Pokémon, Red frowning after a while. Blue, looking bemused, simply petted the Pokémon in his lap as the Pidgey stared Red down.
CAWWWW!!!
The Pidgey leapt forward, pecking and kicking at Red as he ran from it, trying to cover his face. Blue laughed heartily, pushing off Growlithe, and yelled, “Hold on Red. I'll take care of this. Growlithe, Tackle that Pidgey, pin him down!”
Growlithe gave a quick nod, diving through the air and catching the Pidgey mid-flight. Red fell into a roll, came to a stop, and picked himself up with his arms behind his back, sighing with relief to be free of the attacking Pokémon.
Looking back, he grinned at the result. Growlithe stood over the Pidgey, snarling. The alarmed bird Pokémon struggled to get out from under his paw, but to no avail. Blue took a few steps to stand over it, looking down.
“Got nowhere to run now...time to catch my first Pokémon,” he says, reaching into his bag. Slowly, he pulled out a Poké Ball, bringing it level and tossing it up and down a few times.
“Nice job Blue,” Red said, “but you you might want to catch it, before it esc-”
The Pidgey slipped out from under Growlithe's paw, flapping its way to safety.
Blue stood there, dumbfounded. Then...
“Ember, go go go Growlithe!” he barked, chasing after it. Red stood up and watched, head in hand, as the chase began. Jets of flame sparked into life after the Pokémon as it moved to avoid the volley of fire, until it finally turned and began to flap its wings at super speed, creating a gust of wind that blew Growlithe back a couple of feet. Unfortuantely for the Pidgey, the last flame jet hit, and he fell to the ground, singed. Blue rushed in quickly, throwing his Poké Ball with blazing speed. It spun through the air, landing in front of the injured Pokémon, and snatched up the Pidgey in a flash of red light, the button on the front of the device pushing in on itself. The Poké Ball shook side to side violently, threatening to spill its contents. Red and Psyduck had made their way over, and they too watched curiously as Blue waited to see if he had indeed caught a Pokémon for the first time.
The ball shook again, even more violently than the first. Silent again. Blue clenched his fist, anticipating its escape any second.
One final shake, and a rest. The button released, and Blue gave a loud whoop of laughter, scrambling to pick up the ball.
“I hope he's okay...” said Red, prodding the device as Blue sat with his newly occupied Poké Ball.
“Yeah, yeah, I'm sure he's fine. Just in case though we ought to get to a Pokémon Center as soon as we get to Viridian,” Blue said, clipping the Poké Ball to his belt and rising. “i dunno if you like staying out of your ball or not, but with your condition, and what you did to Red, you're staying inside for now.”
Blue grimaced. “Man, I wonder if they can hear in those things...Come on. Let's not stay. At this rate, we'll need to camp out before we get there.”
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By the time the pair had reached Viridian City, the sun had already dissipated. The journey through the sea of plateaus had been interesting, to say the least. Both they and their Pokémon were very tired. Red's eyes were half-shut even as they took in the beautifully lit-up city, which, though not large, was still quite alive at night. The buildings were not tall, but there were many, spread out over the large area. Red noted thankfully that the land here was mostly flat and the grass short. He knew that it must be fairly relaxed though, because a large man was sleeping beside the trees across a small pond.
Well, either that or he's just stupid, thought Red, shaking his head at the man. Blue also noticed, laughing.
“That guy must be daft! It's so cold out—he's going to be sick,” said Blue, putting an arm around Red, “Come on, Red. We'll sleep after we get our Pokémon taken care of.”
Red yawned, picking up his Psyduck, who looked miserable. The walk had tired him out, but when asked he refused to return to his ball. Such a stubborn Pokémon. Psyduck closed his eyes, trying to sleep. Red rolled his eyes.
“I hate to be the whiner, but I sure hate the luck of my draw here,” said Red, hoisting Psyduck as they passed the bright window of a family at dinner. “He's a cute little guy, but...we both know I only beat you on luck and a type advantage. He can barely follow orders.”
Blue sighed, then grinned.
“Look, Red. You beating me might have been an accident. But you still did well. Psyduck did too. You're just going to have to train him even harder than me.”
“Yeah yeah...” replied Red as they came to a stop in front of the city's Pokémon Center. “Come on. Let's get your Pokémon healed and get some sleep.
Blue opened the door, letting Growlithe scamper in before Red shuffled though the door. Blue followed through, picking up his Pokémon. The inside was well-lit, and pleasant. Several red counters were against the wall, offering various services, all for free. Regardless the orange tiling was well kept and as reflective as their testing arena had been. There were also rooms for rent, numbered doors on the west side of the room, ranging from one to ten.
“You go see if they have any of the guest rooms available. They might not since we're so late, but it's better than paying for a hotel room,” said Blue, making his way to the counter.
Red nodded as his friend left and walked to a separate counter to the left, where he set Psyduck down. There was nobody there, but there was a door leading to some sort of back room. Discouraged, Red called out to try and find the attendant.
“Excuse me? Do you have any guest rooms left? Hello?”
There was a muffled sound behind the door—a voice, perhaps, he thought. Suddenly, a pretty woman with long blonde hair emerged from the entrance behind the counter, smiling.
“Sorry, sir, I was just about to change shifts. But, I can help you. How many in your party. Just you and your Pokémon?” she asked, , smiling as she nodded towards his Psyduck.
“No ma'am. There's my friend too over there. He's just getting his Pokémon healed, but he oughtta be done in minute. He's got two Pokémon with him,” Red said, jabbing a thumb behind him at Blue.
“No problem. On any other night we'd probably be full up, but not tonight. Probably because of the capture of Saffron. It doesn't feel quite safe anymore. Thankfully, no Rockets have made it here, yet,” she said nervously, wringing her fingers. “Anyway, that'll be Room 6. Here's your key, don't forget to turn it in. This is a charity service after all, so please be respectful of the rules posted on the room wall.”
Red nodded, thanked the woman, and left with his Psyduck. Blue was waiting for him. Together, they went to their room, opened the door, and went inside.
The room was dimly lit by a single lamp hanging overhead. It was worn, but not unpleasant. Red stepped lightly over the green tatami mats to a mattress on the west side of the room, laid up with a blue blanket and snow white pillow. Red put down his heavy backpack and laid Psyduck down next to the mat, looking around for some sort of cover for his Pokémon. On the wall shelf, he found some. He tossed a sheet to Blue, who caught it, as silent as he was.
“So...tomorrow...are we going to try Viridian Gym?” asked Red. The question had been burning in his mind all day. They had just started, and their only real experience was theory, their first battle, and a few random wild Pokémon.
“We're going to do our best. Win or lose,” said Blue firmly, cheering Red up considerably. “We didn't leave home to lose though. So I expect you to keep up with me.”
“Same here.”
They bumped fists, Red feeling rather silly about it, but all in all glad he had asked. Blue said good night to him then, sitting down on the matted floor and getting into his blankets and covering up his Growlithe, who had already nestled on the floor. He ruffled his fur and turned around to sleep, leaving Red by himself as he laid down to sleep.
But sleep did not come. As Blue snored, Red kept awake, watching his sleeping Psyduck. He still had his hands on his head, seemingly still suffering a headache in his sleep. The headache, Red knew, was going to be his greatest hindrance, and his greatest strength.
I'm going to try my hardest, and train you my hardest. I'm not going to give up. I'm going to give it everything I have. Do you understand me, Psyduck? I expect the same from you if we're going to be traveling together.
With that, he rolled over to sleep, dreamless and free.
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When Red awoke, he was very irritated. Psyduck had elected to strew the contents of Red and Blue's respective bags, or so they thought, though Growlithe seemed to be in an even better mood than usual that morning. It took them some time to pack, and they almost decided to skip breakfast, but Red then remembered that none of them had eaten for a day's time, and offered to buy their first breakfast. They returned their room key to the morning attendant, thanked them and left.
As they stepped outside, they say Viridian City in a new light. It was near bustling now, people hurriedly making their way all across town, though to be sure it was still no metropolis. Still, a number of cars littered the streets, driving modestly alongside the cyclers. There were also numerous children and Pokémon playing together. Though they could not battle, they still made friends with Pokémon. Quickly, Red spotted a restaurant with a notable number of cars in its lot, and they resolved to eat there. They crossed the now busy street carefully, avoiding traffic, made it through the parking lot, and went inside.
The restaurant was rather stuffy, feeling very crowded, but the smell coming from the food was wonderful. Dark red-brown walls and tan tatami mats decorated the place, with paper lamps for lighting.. There were various sliding doors to separate rooms. At a booth near the entrance, a young woman with red hair asked them for their party number.
“Two of us, and our three Pokémon,” said Blue firmly. He knew that most of these places had sitting places for Pokémon too.
“Ah yes, as long as they are not too large,” she said nervously, eying their holstered Poké Balls on their belts, “No Onix in those, is there?”
“No,” replied Red, grinning on the verge of laughter.
She led them to their table in a separate part of the restaurant, leaving them with menus and asking them to call when they were ready to order. The style was the same as the main part of the restaurant, and overlooked it, being on a higher, balcony area. From there they could see a stage, with a wooden floor and big, blowy red curtains. Red wondered silently what it was for. They sat, cross legged, at the low table there. Psyduck plopped on his tail-end as well, holding his head. Growlithe was a little more rebellious, sonstantly standing back up every time Blue pushed him down to sit.
Red picked up his menu, looking through it. He decided hastily on some rice balls to start, putting down his menu, and looking around the room.
He immediately noticed the other patrons at the table across from theirs. A man in a white gi with a red headband sat there, eating with his own Pokémon, a blue humanoid crature with tan fin-like protusions on his head and a skinny, strong body. The man had only a bowl of rice, but he ate it vigorously. He tried not to laugh as rice flew into his black hair with the speed of his eating. His Pokémon ate just as fast, trying to keep pace. But then, he remembered something.
“Blue...our Pokédexes! We never got any readings for the Ratatta or Pidgey!” broke Red, slapping his forehead. As Blue realized the fact he groaned too, pulling his from a slot on his bag.
“That's right...” he moaned, looking at the screen, “No, wait...it seems it registers any Pokémon we catch in here. Growlithe and Pidgey are both in here. Speaking of which...”
Blue pulls a Poké Ball from his belt, tossing it once in his hand, then pressing th ebutton on the front to let out his Pidgey.
It flies out, perching on the windowsill, seemingly indignant. It closes its eyes and turns its head.
“Yeah yeah, be mad all you want, but I caught you and we're gonna be partners now. Now come perch down here so you can have so food.”
Pidgey refuses, standing firm.
“Fine. We'll see how it is when I order food,” mumbles Blue, putting down his own menu.
Red, though bemused by the exchange, suddenly had an idea. He stood up, walked over to the stange man's table, and tapped him on his shoulder.
“Excuse me, sir, but do you think I might be able to scan your Pokémon with my Pokédex? I'm out collecting data for Professor Oak, from Pallet Town.
The man in the white gi put down his bowl with a clatter, his eyes edging back. At the table across, Blue tensed up.
“My Machop?” he asked, not moving an inch.
“Yes.”
“Very well. On one condition. I want a battle,” he said shortly, unfolding his legs and standing. “This restaurant has a room for battles. Tell your friend to order your food. I am sure that you will be back quickly.”
“I don't know, I-”
“No. You have a license. You cannot refuse a challenge by another licensed battler,” he said, laying in a harsher tone. His voice was rough, like sandpaper.
Psyduck, still at their table, pushed himself up. He turned to face the Machop at the opposing table, who stood up calmly, swirling about to stare back at Psyduck. He tensed, clenching a fist.
Red knew the man was right, and he could already see the tension building. Machop was a Fighting type Pokémon, and as such loved battling above all else. Red thought that even his Psyduck wanted to battle. He saw that look of concentration etched in his eyes again, the kind that he normally would not be showing for anything else he had done thus far. Red smiled, proud.
“Fine. Lead on,” he said, shaking the man's hand, who responded stiffly. “Blue, you know what I like. Don't forget to order for my Psyduck too, okay?”
Blue nodded, grinning. “Go get 'em Red.”
The man led Red and his Psyduck downstairs, Machop in front.
“By the way, Red...my name is Ken,” said the man as he stepped off the stairs, offering a hand to help him down. “Now come with me. We must inform the managers that we will give them a show.”
Red suddenly realized what the stage in the center of the restaurant was for.
They approached the manager, a simple man with black hair and a pointed mustache, wearing a fine white shirt and black tie. As the man called Ken sorted things out with the manager, Psyduck came waddling up behind Red, who looked down at his Pokémon. He barely knew his Psyduck, but he felt like he could count on him to do well.
Red saw the manager nod and Ken signal him to get up on stage. They both climbed the stairs from opposing sides, Pokémon behind them. They faced each other from opposite ends, and people began to watch, curious.
“Ladies, gentlemen,” came the announcer, who had produced a microphone from the wall, “it seems we have two trainers here today, who are feeling the fiery passion of battle fever!”
Red groaned loudly, feeling suddenly ridiculous.
“On the west side, we have Red, from neighboring Pallet Town, and his Pokémon, Psyduck!” yelled the announcer to the astute crowd, who clapped politely.
“And on the other, Viridian City's Gym Trainer Ken, also a Black Belt in his field of martial arts, and his Machop, Choppa!”
Gym Trainer!?
The crowd positively roared for him. It was obviously where their loyalties laid. Red frowned.
I guess no cheering crowds and adulation yet.
Red observed the stage in front of him. There wasn't as much room to work with as there had been in the arena. He would have to be more careful, and work with tighter space.
Red's Psyduck stepped forward as did Ken's Machop, Choppa.
“One-on-one, no time limit. You may begin!”
Red was much quicker on the uptake this time, immediate shouting to his Pokémon, “Psyduck, hit him with Water Gun!”
Psyduck's eyes slanted and he opened his bill wide, blasting out a torrent of water. Ken's Machop ran from it at impressive speed, circling around Psyduck was he turned to try and catch him, water blasting off the brick wall behind them. As soon as Psyduck could no longer hold the torrent, Machop dashed in, feet punding hard on the wooden floor like drums.
“Choppa, Mach Punch!” ordered Ken, demonstrating the motion with his own two fists.
The Machop lunged with his left fist forward, surprising Psyduck. His fist smacked Psyuck right in the middle of his forehead, who was sent flying by the punch into the wall, where he held his head, roaring with pain.
I don't know who's more a lousy showboat, Ken...
Red looked to Ken's Machop, who was flexing his muscle at the crowd as they applauded.
...or his Pokémon.
Psyduck, get up. We're not done yet,” Red said simply, instinctively. Psyduck climbed to his feet, angry now. Red replayed the events thus far in his head, thinking. Machop was too fast for Psyduck to hit aware, and he wouldn't be able to take many hits from him, that was certain. He needed more speed.
Red snapped his fingers as the idea clicked into place, confusing his martial artist opponent.
“Psyduck, gimme another Water Gun, now!” he commanded, and Psyduck looked at him confused, but nodded.
He does trust me.
Psyduck gushed forth another jet of water, and as Red had expected, Ken's Machop dodged it expertly, running around to hit him again.
“Turn it around Psyduck, aim at the floor!” yelled Red, watching everything fall into place satisfactorily.
Psyduck pushed the jet down, blasting himself up towards the ceiling, water spraying everyhwere. In a stroke of luck, Machop slipped on the wet floor.
“Kick off the ceiling and bat him with a Scratch!”
Psyduck stopped spraying water, kicking against the ceiling as he neared it. Putting all his strength in, he zoomed down in a flash, pulled back his arm, and raked Ken's Machop with his claws viciously.
Machop rolled back from the force of the hit, getting up on one knee, shaking. Psyduck landed, arms back and in control. The audience cheered for the spectacular move, now less concentrated on the food than the fight.
“Choppa, don't give in. Show him the strength of your Mega Kick!” yelled Ken absurdly, making kicking motions.
This guy is a Gym Trainer?
The Machop got up, running forward again for the kick.
Can't get out in time.
“Use your Bubble to slow him down!” Red ordered, thinking of it.
Psyduck sprayed bubbles from his mouth as quickly as he could, shooting forth with surprising elasticity. It slowed him down just enough to weaken the kick, but Psyduck was still hit brutally, once again at the head. His friend fell to the floor, taking heaving breaths. The Machop, convinced he had won, relaxed. Ken stood straight and bowed oafishly, his pride showing clear. Red too, for a moment, though that he had lost.
But then, his partner rose, eyes glowing with that familiar blue aura, and Red knew what to do.
“Confusion.”
Machop turned, trying to stop him before it was too late. But it was, and he was lifted off the floor, spasming recklessly in the air. He fell, clearly knocked out, to the floor, a crumpled heap.
The restaurant exploded with raucous applause. Red, really not knowing how to respond, simply tipped, his hat and picked up his Pokémon, removing a Potion, a healing medicine for Pokémon, from his bag, and spraying it over him.
“You ought to be better in a little while Psyduck. I'm proud of you,” said Red, putting him back down. Psyduck tilted his head, still confused. The reception was pleasant, but he still didn't remember what he had done.
Ken punched the wall in disbelief. This new trainer, barely started, had defeated his training! Pretending he did not feel the redness of his knuckles, he turned away from Red.
“Doesn't matter. You'd never beat the whole Gym, anyway,” he said, sulking a little, “not that you could. That's why I'm here. The gym is closed. Our leader is out on holiday.”
Red slumped. “You serious?”
“I'm always serious. Come back another time. I'll be sure to give you a worthy rematch,” said Ken smugly, jerking his head back. “Go on, scan him with your device. That's what you wanted, right?”
“Oh, yeah. Just a sec,” answered Red, rummaging for his Pokédex. “I just put this here and...”
He tilted the scanner end of the Pokédex down towards the bruised Machop, and knew he felt badly for it. Perhaps, he though, that battle had gone a little too far. He would have to teach Psyduck to control those abilities.
The machine booted smoothly, words moving across the screen too quickly to read. A laser mesh appeared as the device scanned the Pokémon, moving up and down to identify it. Then, it spoke in an electronic voice:
Its whole body is composed of muscles. Even though it's the size of a human child, it can hurl 100 adults.
“Impressive...” muttered Red. I wouldn't mind having one of those.
The black belt, Ken returned his Machop to his Poké Ball, and then left the stage., his steps heavier than before.
Red looked across the restaurant, noticing that everyone had gone back to their meals, and felt a small twinge of sadness. Whatever fame he had on that stage, it was gone now.
He walked with his partner by his side back to their table at the balcony, where Blue greeted him with roaring approval and a slap on the back, as they all sat down to eat their first meal together.
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After they ate, they stopped briefly at a shopping mart to pick up some supplies, more Potions, some Poké Balls and Pokémon food. The city had picked up even more with the coming of noon, but they were in high spirits. Even though Blue had been disappointed with the knowledge that Viridian City Gym was closed, it didn't stop his determination, which was something Red, secretly, admired about him. It was there that Red knew that he needed Blue for this—maybe that they needed each other. But at the back of his mind, he wondered about the day when they could no longer be friends, when they, instead, would become rivals.
If you make it that far Red thought to himself as they entered a short route to the Pokémon League gates. Though the short, narrow road was littered with tall grass, it did not seem as populated with wild Pokémon as the first route had been. He saw several interesting Pokémon, including a male Nidoran, but as Blue reminded him, they would be back here eventually. So he kept his Poké Balls holstered and simply watched the horned purple Pokémon eye him suspiciously from the foliage. Soon, they had reached the impressive concrete walls of the Pokémon League. Blue whistled as they approached it, then laughed.
“Compensation?” he joked, and Red rolled his eyes.
There was only one gateway there, where a man stood guard. He wore a blue guard's uniform and black trousers with a badge, looking very much like a policeman. He word a strange yellow orb around his neck like a pendant, glowing oddly. They approached him lightly.
“You are Trainers,” he noted as they came, flashing his badge. I am the first guard. I will need to see your Boulderbadge.”
“Oh, we're just looking today. We don't have any badges,” said Red, leaning around to try to see past the guard into the next area. The guard pushed him away with his baton, and Blue stepped forward, angry.
“What's your problem pal!? We're just looking around, what's wrong with that?” asked Blue defensively, taking a fighting stance.
“Watch it, 'pal'. Read the sign,” he replied, tapping the post next to the entrance, “No Loitering. That means you too. Now get out of here.”
Blue smirked and turned about-face, waving Red to follow. “Come on Red. This joker's not worth our time.”
Red frowned at the guard and turned to join Blue, w,alking away into the grassy Route. Their Pokémon noticed their sour mood, keeping quiet. Even the hyper Growlithe kept his mouth shut, tail between his legs. Blue noticed, and stopped their walk once they had entered the grass.
“Cheer up. I'm not mad at y-”
But Blue didn't get to tell Growlithe he wasn't mad at him. Because at that moment, the rude guard cried out for help, and a loud screeching of a wild Pokémon filled the air.
Running back, they quickly saw the problem. In a flash, a wild Mankey had attacked the guard from the safe wild.
Don't wild Pokémon usually not attack people outside of their habitat? What's going on...?
Though the tan and brown Pokémon was fast, Red quickly saw why he had attacked. The Mankey was busy at that moment trying to pry the shiny stone from the guard's neck.
Blue must have noticed it too, because he chose that moment to yell to the guard, “Take off the jewelry! He wants it the orb!”
But the guard was panicking and either would not or could not listen. He ran around, petrified as the Mankey clawed at him furiously.
“Looks like we'll have to save the jerk. Pidgey, go!” shouted Blue, unclipping his Poké Ball and sending it flying. Pidgey burst out in red light, taking to the skies immediately.
“That man needs help, Pidgey. Use a Gust attack, blow him off!” he ordered, running to keep pace with his Pidgey's flight.
Pidgey dived, flapping its wings furiously, blowing the Mankey off in an instant. The guard fell on his behind, holding his face. The Mankey, even more furious, took a stance and jumped at Blue's Pidgey, swiping at him. He missed as Pidgey simply flew higher into the air, avoiding him.
“Those are some nice Fury Swipes,” said Red, grinning. “Blue, let me catch him, okay?”
Blue nodded. “S'long as you remember, you owe me. Pidgey, Sand-Attack!”
His bird Pokémon dived to the ground once again, this time raking up fresh dirt from the ground, spraying it into the Mankey's eyes. He reared back, covering his face painfully.
“Psyduck, finish this up with your Scratch!” Red demanded, Psyduck running forward and striking the confused Pokémon hard, who rolled along the ground, defeated.
Red unclipped a Poké Ball from his belt, throwing it with vigor. It spun in the air, landing near the downed Mankey and zapping him up in a red flash, the button pulling in. It bounced once, shaking on the ground, once, twice, three times. And then...
It stopped, the button depressing. Red had caught his first Pokémon.
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END CHAPTER 2