After her encounter with Officer Jenny, Sage decided her first stop in Viridian City should be the Pokémon Center as she entered and was greeted by the warm and welcoming Nurse Joy, who was tending to other trainers and their Pokémon.
Hello there! Welcome to the Pokémon Center," Nurse Joy greeted with a kind smile.
How can I help you?" Nurse Joy asked.
Hi, Nurse Joy! Could you please take care of Eevee for me?" Sage asked as she handed over her Poké Ball.
Of course, Sage. It will only take a few moments." Nurse Joy took the Poké Ball with Eevee and disappeared into the back room to begin the healing process.
With some time to spare, Sage found a seat in the waiting area and pulled out her Rotom Phone as she started wondering about her friends as she was curious to know how far Red and Blue had made it on their own journeys.
Then with a few swipes, Sage looked up information about the Gym Leaders of the Kanto region as she was eager to see who her first big challenge would be.
"Let's see... Viridian City Gym is closed, so the first real Gym battle is in Pewter City," Sage murmured to herself.
Brock, the Rock-type specialist." Sage said to herseld as she knew that facing Rock-types would be tough with Charmander, Pidgey and Eevee as she started brainstorming strategies.
Suddenly the calm of the Pokémon Center was shattered by a loud explosion from the back room as the sound jolted Sage out of her thoughts and she leapt to her feet as her heart was pounding.
She rushed toward the back of the Pokémon Center and as she rounded the corner, she saw Nurse Joy standing by the healing machine looking terrified and besides her stood two people in matching uniforms, each bearing a large red "R" on their chests.
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Oh dear, looks like we've made quite the entrance. Shall we start collecting some Pokémon?" The woman said.
Yes, the boss will be pleased with these new additions" The man said.
Sage clenched her fists as she was starting recognizing who these people must be. Team Rocket...
Sage stepped forward as she was determined not to let them take Eevee or any other Pokémon.
Hey! What do you think you're doing? Leave Nurse Joy and the Pokémon alone!" Sage shouted.
Look, we've got ourselves a little hero. Why don't you run along, kid, before you get hurt?" The man sneered.
Sage felt a surge of anger and adrenaline as she grabbed Charmander's Poké Ball as she getting prepared to defend the Pokémon Center.
I'm not going anywhere until you leave! I'm a Pokémon Trainer, and I'm not afraid of you" Sage said.
Oh, really? Alright, kid, if you want to play hero, we'll show you what Team Rocket can do. Go, Koffing!" The woman said.
Ekans, let's teach her a lesson!" The man said.
In a flash, a Koffing and an Ekans appeared as they were both glaring menacingly at Sage and was ready for battle.
Without hesitation, Sage threw out Charmander's Poké Ball and her trusty partner appeared as it flames was blazing brighter than ever.
Charmander, let's do this! Use Ember on Koffing!" Sage said
Charmander launched a small burst of flames which hit Koffing squarely and making it flinch back.
Ekans, use Wrap!" the male grunt commanded.
Ekans slithered forward and attempted to coil around Charmander but Sage was quick.
Charmander, dodge it and use Scratch!" Sage said.
Charmander nimbly evaded Ekans and swiped with its claws, striking the snake Pokémon hard as both Team Rocket members looked frustrated.
Nurse Joy who had regained some of her composure called out to Sage.
Be careful, Sage! They're dangerous!" Nurse Joy said in worry.
I know, Nurse Joy but I won't let them get away with this!" Sage replied as her voice was full of determination.
The battle continued fiercely with Charmander landing Ember after Ember, weakening both Koffing and Ekans and finally with one last powerful Ember, Koffing and Ekans were both knocked out.
The two Team Rocket members looked shocked.
You little brat!" the woman hissed.
You may have won this time, but Team Rocket will be back!" The male grunt snarled.
With that, they recalled their Pokémon and dashed out of the Pokémon Center and disappeared into the shadows of Viridian City.
Sage let out a sigh of relief as she recalled Charmander with a grateful smile as Nurse Joy approached her with her face full of gratitude.
Thank you, Sage. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been here. I'll bring Eevee out right away" Nurse Joy said
A moment later, Nurse Joy returned with Eevee who was fully healed and looking as energetic as ever as Sage scooped Eevee up and hugged her tightly.
Thank you, Nurse Joy," Sage said with a smile.
As Sage left the Pokémon Center, Sage couldn't help but feel proud of how she handled her first real confrontation with Team Rocket.
