A New Line Through The Lives Of Kanto

Something Old, Some Things New

"Pika Pika!!"

"Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka!"

"Chu! Chu! Pikachu!"

"Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka, Pi-ka!"

One Pikachu stood atop a large rock, pointing in one direction, giving out orders.

A certain collective of Pikachu ran off to where a set of construction workers and other people were gathered.

At Pikachu's word, more Pikachu went to other areas of Dark City, carrying wood, using their Electric moves against wiring and tools pressed against their cheeks by professionals, running through small, tight areas for various reasons because the adults couldn't get through, and doing multiple other tasks.

Gary and June walked by the reconstruction efforts between the people, the Pikachu and the Raichu.

The dusty city was like an Old Western movie, with even tumbleweeds rolling across the ground. There were no roads or walkways, just a sandy ground being pushed wildly, mixing with the air thanks to wild winds today. The sky was blue and clear.

Gary's sole goal was the location of the Pokemon Gym, which Nurse Joy had informed him was right behind the Pokemon Center. She also let him know that the Gym had been cleared just yesterday for bombs and was safe to use. With that weight off of his heart, Gary was ready to obtain his latest Badge. And that woman, Gary thought, squinting through the air, remembering the beautiful lady with the Bisharp. She's the Gym Leader. Cleopatra. That was her. I'll have to face that scary Pokemon. Gary sighed with some concerns, but also felt a lot of excitement pumping through his blood flowing through his body. I haven't had a proper Pokemon battle in so long. Heck, maybe I should have prepared a bit before just jumping into a Gym match. Where has my head been at all this past week?

"Gary!"

"OH!" Gary tripped and hit the ground, landing on his hands and knees. He looked back to see a Raichu. "Raichu!"

Raichu was getting to his feet, looking to Gary with an innocent look.

"Hey, sorry, man." Gary got up and held out his hand apologetically before turning away.

"And the Gym's right here," June told Gary. She was several feet behind him, standing by a building. She had one hand over her eyes, as if that were helping her against the dirt blowing everywhere.

"Oh. Right." He walked back over to her.

"Nervous, huh? It's been a while since you've gone for a Badge." She smiled, being sure to keep her mouth closed in this environment.

Gary shook his head defiantly. "I'm more than ready."

"We could have a battle first. To get the blood flowing?"

Gary smiled small. "I've got this."

The two stood outside of a one story, wooden building. A nail was hammered in the door through a rope that held up a wooden sign proclaiming: Dark City Pokemon Gym.

Gary turned to Raichu, who was still in the same spot.

His ears perked up and he blinked a couple of times.

Hope he isn't upset at me, Gary thought. He doesn't seem mad. What's he want, though?

There was a sharp yell suddenly, followed by a furious cry, all coming from inside the Gym!

Gary turned to the building and stepped atop the wooden platform it stood on, walking over to the door.

"Gary, be careful!" June warned.