The Starr Trainer - A Poke-Fan Fiction

Escape and Departure

Jesse and Meowth opened the door to the truck at their next stop. Belle looked away from all of them.

"Get me out of here already," James whined. "I can't be around this girl for a second longer."

"One pit stop and you've changed your mind about her already?" Jesse asked, skeptical.

"You would too if you had to hear her crying and whining about how her entire family was going to hate her now that she lost all of her Pokemon. I can't stand it anymore, just let me out!"

"After everything, and just being willing to let her go a few hours ago you are ready to ditch the girl that quick?" Jesse questioned.

"Trust me you would be too," James said with a laugh. "Now come on and let me out."

"I actually feel bad for the twerpette, I am sure she held out hope for you."

"That's what happens when you put your hope in the hands of Team Rocket," James stated with a smirk. Jesse walked over and untied James. He smiled and stood, rubbing his wrists. Belle glanced up at him, he frowned when their eyes met. He looked away from her.

"You look upset," Jesse stated, seeing the exchange.

"No. I'm alright," he said looking up to Jesse with a smile. "She's a loud one, so why don't we knock her out for a bit."

"If that's what you want," Jesse said with a chuckle. She reached into her pocket and pulled something out. Belle watched as she filled a needle with the medicine in the bottle.

"Let me do it," James asked, almost with eagerness. Belle watched as Jesse gave him the needle. He turned to Jesse and put it in her arm.

"What are you doing!" Jesse exclaimed, but then started to pass out. James caught her and quickly tied her to the chair he was in before. He looked over to Belle and smiled, and went over and untied her.

"Thank you," Belle whispered. He smiled at her.

"We have some Pokemon to save, don't we?"

"Won't your friends hate you?"

"If they do, then I suppose they aren't really my friends," James explained, looking at her.

She trailed behind James as he moved to the front of the car, quickly injecting Meowth with the same thing, causing him to fall fast asleep. They rummaged through the truck until her Poke'balls were found. "Oh, thank goodness," Belle exclaimed, clutching them to her chest. "Thank you," she said, looking at James with watery eyes. "I don't know what I would have done without them."

"You need to go. They'll be waking up soon," he said, struggling to look at her.

"So, this is it then?" She whispered. She strapped her Poke'balls back on her legs.

"I won't be able to help you again, and you can't afford to help me. We need to depart and let this go. Whatever this is. If we see each other again, we can't interfere with fate."

"Be safe, James."

"You too, Belle." She turned away. Hearing him say her name was hard, but walking away, knowing this had to be the end, was harder. She couldn't explain the way she felt, but it didn't matter. There were more important things than exploring these feelings. There were goals to be completed and she couldn't let her selfish curiosity take them away from her or her Pokemon. Without another word she ran. She never turned back and didn't know if she was even running in the right direction, but she ran anyway. Turning around, she didn't notice a rock that ended up tripping her. She fell over a small hill and onto a dirt path and intercepted Ash and the others. Wincing, she brushed the dirt off her leg.

"Belle?" Ash asked confused. "Are you alright?"

She looked up at him and nodded. Struggling to bring herself to speak. He walked over and helped her up. "Thanks," she said with a small smile.

"What are you doing so off the path?" Clemont questioned.

"I was taken by Team Rocket," she said looking away.

Ash sighed and looked away, before back to her. "We told you they were no good."

"I know, okay?" Unable to help the tears that glossed her eyes. She turned away. "Which way is it to Cyllage City?" She asked, looking up to Clemont.

"We're heading that way, but it's a while to go," he explained. "Why don't you just stick with us for a bit?"

"We promise not to say a word about what happened," Ash stated.

Belle nodded. "Thank you."

"You can bunk with Serena and me," Bonnie exclaimed with a smile.

"Okay, thank you," Belle smiled. "I appreciate that." Belle trailed behind the group. Serena soon joined her.

"I understand how you feel," Serena whispered. "It's okay to be upset."

Belle looked up to her. "You and Ash have a chance. I don't," she whispered with a short smile at Serena's blush.

"How'd you know?"

"I recognize the stare," Belle stated, looking away.

"You can't still feel that way about him after he kidnapped you," Serena criticized.

"He didn't kidnap me. Jesse and Meowth did. He saved me," Belle explained, seeing Serena's judgemental expression weaken. "He saved me."

"He helped you over Jesse and Meowth?"

"He risked it all to help me, but it doesn't matter."

"Why not?"

"It's over. We can't be together, so we won't' be." Belle looked up to Serena. "I hope Ash notices the way you look at him. You two seem perfect for each other."

"Belle, I hope I didn't offend you."

"I'll be fine," she replied, her head bowed. "The wound is still fresh, but it will heal."

"Let's rest here for tonight!" Ash declared, dropping his bag. The rest followed his lead and prepped camp.