The Starr Trainer - A Poke-Fan Fiction

An Unexpected Tip

James, Ash, and the gang had been traveling for three days, exploring every nook and cranny they could, trying to find her. They searched several abandoned Rocket hideouts, all of them being unsuccessful. Dragonair rested around James's neck, a saddened expression on its face. 

"We're going to find her, Dragonair. You'll see," James whispered as he stroked Dragonair's head. "Wait," James pointed to the sky. "Look!" The Meowth hot air balloon that they all knew flew away, and they turned in the direction it had come from and ran. 

"What if it's a trap?" Serena asked.

"Then at least we'll know where she is," James stated. They crossed through the shrubs and searched until they found a large factory building hidden in the trees. "She has to be here," James whispered. The group tiptoed around the building. Several Rocket guards were set up at the entrances. Dragonair squealed and gestured to an open window. "Good job, Dragonair," James said nudging his head against Dragonair's. They crawled in through the window. They were in a small storage room with a musky smell. "Must be why the windows open." 

"Probably. Now we have to find Belle," Ash stated. They opened the doorway slowly and saw the coast was clear. They continued forward quietly, ducking behind a counter when they heard her name being shouted.

"BELLE!" Giovanni yelled. "What is the meaning of this. These pokemon are nowhere near where they should be. You guaranteed me results."

"I'm sorry, sir, please. I'm usually in a better physical state for training, and." Her scream pierced the building. Dragonair started to dart out, but James grabbed him. They peered around the corner and saw Giovanni move another Beedril stinger out of her. Belle collapsed to the ground. "Please. I just need more time." 

"Then use the time you have left to prove yourself," Giovanni scoffed. He snapped. Belle's hands went to her head resulting in a laugh from Giovanni. "A bit paranoid are we? I'm just bringing over some people to get you off the floor." Jesse came over and helped Belle stand up. Her legs were weighed by chains. "Get back to work."

"Here," Jesse said pressing a tiny vial into Belle's hand. "I know it's not much at all, but Meowth hasn't found where they've stashed everything yet." Belle downed the drink, but she didn't appear any better. "We sent out the balloon, he'll come."

"Thanks, Jesse," Belle replied weakly. "You're not as bad as you pretend to be." Belle turned to the pokemon in front of her. "Come on Rhyhorn we have to work on that speed, huh? Do some laps." 

"I have to get her out of here," James whispered. He continued forward, being cautious with every step. "Jesse," James whispered. Her body stilled, she looked around and met Jame's gaze. She rushed over and pulled him into a hidden corner. "I have to get her out of here."

"Yeah I know," Jesse replied looking around. She gazed up, noticing the Dragonair. "Wait is that hers?" 

"Yeah," James sighed. "He's trusted me to save her, I have to." James turned around. "I also brought the twerps." Jesse shook her head. "Maybe they can cause a distraction and I can save Belle."

"Okay, you stay hidden here. I'll tell them," Jesse crossed over towards the twerps trying to keep herself seeming normal. "Listen here twerps," she said not looking at them, pretending to read some papers on a nearby table. "James needs you to create a distraction so he can get her out of here. Can you do that?"

"Of course, we can," Ash said. "Come on guys." 

Jesse left the area. James positioned himself ready to pounce as soon as he heard the distraction. The twerps were quick as a series of loud sounds sent all the surrounding officers away from the area Belle was in and rushed towards the entrance. James rushed over to her.

"James?" Belle asked weakly. "What are you-? Dragonair?" Dragonair squealed in delight. Belle cried hugging Dragonair. "Are the others okay?"

"Yes they are all safe," James whispered, running his hand on her cheek. "What did they do to you?" He said looking over her. "Oh Belle, I'm so sorry. Dragonair can you break the chains, and I'll carry her." 

"Nair," Dragonair nodded and attacked the chains breaking them in half. Part of the chains were still attached to her, but she no longer remained bound to them. Dragonair wrapped around her neck. James lifted her in his arms.

"It's okay Belle, everything is going to be okay." James led her to the room. "I know it's hard, but you're going to have to help me here. I'm going to climb out then I need you to start to climb out on your own so I can grab you."

"Okay," she whispered. "I trust you."