Trainer to Be

Chapter 4

"Why are you even packing? You're only going up the road." Pikachu slides off my bed and sits next to me.

"It's not for me Pikachu, it's for you." I say, rolling my eyes. "Why would I need Pokémon medicine?"

"There's no medicine better." Pikachu zips up the bag, trapping my finger in the zip. I scream out in pain and unzip the bag again. He laughs. "Besides, I could take on anyone and anything."

I sigh. "Yes Pikachu, you could take them on. The question is whether or not you could beat them." I pause. "Have you even been in a Pokémon battle before?"

"Not that I can think of." I face palm. This guy obviously has no idea what he's talking about. "Have you?" He asks.

"I've played the games." I say, shrugging my shoulders. "I can show you the ropes."

I hear a knock on the door. That'll be Nora. I put Pikachu back in his Pokéball, avoiding his protests, and rush down the stairs. unfortunately for me, mum beat me to the door. "Hey Nora, what brings you here?"

"Hey, are you Leoni's mum?"

"Yes, I am."

"Nice." Nora says. "I need to get some fish food from the fish shop, I was wondering if Leoni wanted to come with me?"

"I'd love to." I say before mum has the chance to object. I grab my purple beanie and watermelon bag, filled with Pokémon medicine for Pikachu, and rush out the door. "Bye mum."

"Just be safe you two." Mum says, shaking her head. "And, Leoni, make sure to be back before dark."

We meet Brooke on the corner and walk to the fish shop. I look around, it's the same as it's always been. There's no sign of a secret entrance to a Pokémon world. Nora walks up to the counter, giving us the look that says follow me. The three of us stand in front of the counter. "Hey." Nora says to the lady behind the counter. "Have you restocked on Magikarp yet? It's my little brother's birthday tomorrow and he really wants one." The lady's bright blue eyes light up. She beckons for us to follow her. We follow her behind the counter and through a door. We go down a set of stairs and through another door.

Behind the door is an exact replica of Misty's gym from Fire Red. But instead of Misty, the gym leader is the lady from behind the counter. Her blonde hair and blue eyes easily recognisable even from far away. She seems to have quickly changed into a blue tank top and trainers, black jeans and some blue swimming goggles on top of her head. "Welcome to the Westlea City gym. You must each beat five trainers around the gym before you can battle me, Gym Leader Hannah. Not that I'm bluffing or anything, that's just the way gym's work around here. Ready? Go!"

We all rush off in different directions but I quickly slow down to a walk. If I get to Gym Leader Hannah last then her Pokémon will be weaker, right? I reach the first trainer. He sends out a Squirtle and I send out my Pikachu. "Ok Pikachu, this is your first battle." I say.

Pikachu looks the Squirtle up and down. "This is my first opponent?" He gives me a look that says I know it's my first battle but there's no need to put me up against noobs. He has a rather expressive face for a Pokémon.

I sigh. "Yes Pikachu, this is your first opponent. Now, use thunder shock."

Pikachu looks at me in disgust. "You can't tell me what to do. You're not my boss."

"No, but I am your owner. Now use thunder shock."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

The opposing Squirtle uses water gun. Pikachu's behind is hit by a blast of water. "Ouch." He yelps, turning around and giving the Squirtle the evil eye.

I shake my head. "Now are you going to listen to me?"

Pikachu thinks for a moment. "Fine, but only because I have no idea how Pokémon battles work."

"Good. Pikachu, use thunder shock." Pikachu obeys and hits the Squirtle with a bolt of lightning. "Great job Pikachu! Now use quick attack." Pikachu's speed gives him the advantage and he finishes the Squirtle off.

I raise my hand ready for a high five, but he refuses. "I don't want a high five from the girl who dropped me down the stairs." Still salty about that are we? Well, if this is how it's gonna be then so be it. He's nothing without me.