The Starr Trainer - A Poke-Fan Fiction

Missing

Ash, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena were sitting in the Cyllage Pokemon Center. Belle's pokemon surrounded them as they watched the news. ["We're still covering this breaking news about missing pokemon trainer Bell Starr. She is believed to have been kidnapped by Team Rocket leader Giovanni and several other Team Rocket members. Stay tuned as we continue to search for more details regarding her disappearance."] Dragonair sat in front, his eyes focused on Belle's photo as they displayed it.

"Hey, Dragonair," Ash said. "She's going to be okay. Belle is strong and she'll make it back to you. She would want you all to be safe, and together. I promise you that will bring her such a great relief to find you altogether when she makes it back."

"Nair," Dragonair replied in a soft tone, with his head looking down. Pikachu crossed over and rubbed Dragonair's back trying to bring comfort. 

"Okay, I've gotten ahold of Professor Starr, Belle's father. He is ready for her pokemon to be sent to him," Nurse Joy explained. Dragonair shook its head. "I know Dragonair, but she'd want you to protect her family and your friends. You'll be safe there." 

Dragonair was reluctant to return to his Pokeball. Ash reached out toward him. "Would you rather stay with us? We can help search for Belle." Dragonair nodded. "Would that be okay, Nurse Joy?"

"I'll check in with her father," Nurse Joy said, returning to her desk. 

Dragonair perked up and crossed to the window. "What is it, Dragonair?" Ash asked, looking out there. Dragonair rushed to the door, Ash followed, Serena came along with him. "Clemont and Bonnie you stay and wait to hear from Nurse Joy." Dragonair rushed to the side of the building and stopped. Ash and Serena looked forward and saw James staring back at them. "You have some nerve!" Ash started.

"Wait. Ash," Serena interrupted. "Where's Jesse and Meowth, James?"

"I don't know," he replied staring down at Dragonair. "I'm glad you're safe," he said approaching Dragonair with his hand. Dragonair sniffed his hand and studied James for a few moments. "I don't remember everything. They injected me with something to control me or something. I remember her being in pain. I remember they made me hurt her," James turned his head, his eyes glossed. "Then she was attacked by all those Beedrills. That's all I remember. Then I just woke up in the forest, no Jesse or Meowth in sight. I don't know where they are. I'm not even in my rocket uniform. I have no idea what's going on, but what I do know." He knelt down to look at Dragonair in his eyes. "Is I'm going to do everything to save her." Dragonair wrapped himself around James's arm and crawled up around his neck. James smiled weakly, looking back at the two of them. 

"Why should we believe anything you say?" Ash challenged.

"Because, Ash," Serena started. Ash turned to her. "James really cares for Belle. Dragonair can sense it in him, and we need to trust Dragonair's judgment." Ash looked at them and nodded. "What did Team Rocket want with Belle anyway? I mean they didn't take her pokemon?"

"They wanted her. Apparently, her training of pokemon is incredible, and they want her to train the Rocket pokemon," James explained. "But Giovanni isn't going to trust her any time soon. She'll be like a prisoner while they let the pokemon battle against her."

"With what pokemon?" Ash asked.

"Well, probably with none." James sighed. "That's why we need to find her." James ran his hand on the back of his head. "I know you have every right not to trust me, but I need your help. If she gets hurt again because of me. I don't know how much pain I can watch her face."

Ash sighed, "well, Dragonair trusts you. So we're going to have to also." James smiled and nodded. "Come on, let's get some rest. We'll go looking for her in the morning."