Jack jumps for joy as the Snorlax Pokeball stops shaking. The large angry Pokemon has been stopped. But what will happen when Jack lets him out? He runs to the middle of the street. "Awesome. I got a Snorlax. I couldn't be happier.... so close to my dream." If we remember, his dream is to get all the badges from every Gym. He isn't too interesting in stardom and being the popular trainer, just badges and friendship with his Pokemon will be his reward. Jack picks up the Pokeball and puts it in his pocket for now. "Oh," he calmly says, "what about poor Bellsprout?" That's right, his accidental capture of Bellsprout... but did the Pokeball stop with the Pokemon inside it? Only one way to find out. Turning around, he looks to the side of the road, lying next to Marty should be a Pokeball, with or without a Pokemon inside. To his surprise, no Pokeball lay there. "It's gone?"
How can an injured Pokemon and a Pokeball disappear? Unless it was Marty. Marty turns over on his side, now looking at Jack with wide open eyes, still bruised at the head. He smiles shakily, slowly talking, "Did I fool you?" Jack is now right above his new rich friend, and he sees a Pokeball on the other side of him. "Yes, that is the Pokeball and Bellsprout is inside. Take it, it's rightfully yours." So he does, and he pockets this one also. "I should have never tried for Snorlax and should have kept that Bellsprout as my own instead. I got greedy." Rich people are often greedy people, it's because they are lavished with many riches without doing anything, spoiled is the word.
But Jack kindly understands and helps Marty up from the dirty ground. His expensive clothes are covered with dirt from head to toe. Would they throw it away and buy a new suit or simply wash it? Puzzling, but not interesting to think about at this time. Jensen pulls the limo next to the two, gets out and walks around, opens the door for them, gets back in, and drives rigidly across the newly rugged street. It will take days to fix the cracks in the road. On the other hand, it will take minutes to fix a rich mans limo windows. *CA-CHING* $.$
Saffron City, a city full of life and mystery. The tall skyscraper buildings loom over the rest of the smaller facilities. The road becomes perpendicular to the city, eventually leading straight into it. A few houses lie on the outskirts of Saffron. But one of them catches Jacks attention. So, Jensen pulls over and parks in front of the house. They must be a mile from main city streets.
The house is plain, simple white, one story house. No fancy decorations on the lawn. The thing that stands out is the Jeep with high suspension. Yes, the very same Jeep that ditched Bellsprout after helping it out from under Snorlax.
"How did he get past us? I thought he went the other way." Jack ignores Marty and walks over to the door and knocks loudly. He can hear the television and from the sound, it's a soup opera. But the door is not where the guy comes from, rather the side.
He looks over at the unwelcome visitor. "Hey, it's you. What do you want?"
Jack pulls out a Pokeball. "You abandoned an injured Pokemon, not caring about it. You may say that you care, but leaving after helping it is insulting. That is why I challenge you to a battle of honor." Jack has never been more serious. He will teach this guy a lesson for disrespecting Pokemon all over.
The guy scratches his head, "Uh, yeah. My one Pokemon will beat you down." The two line out in the front yard and battle on the lately mowed grass.
(Cue 1v1 Conference Battle with Pokemaster148)
This guy isn't much of a trainer. His lack of love and care for his Pokemon caused his immediate downfall. Flawless victory even. Jack has done the deed.
*CREAK* The door of the house opens with an older man, balding with a pot belly, glaring at the battle. "What's going on here that interrupted my television watching? Huh? A battle? Fine, want a real battle... let's go." He pulls out three Pokeballs and smirks at Jack. Shrugging, Jack accepts.
(Cue 3v3 Conference Battle with gotenks2610)
This battle provided a greater challenge. Almost losing, Jack manages to come back and strike him down. The balding fat guy has even less care for his Pokemon, however strong, trust is what keeps Pokemon battling to their full extent.
"Alright, fine. My friend and I learned our lessons. Please leave the premise right now." He points to a sign that says �That means YOU!'
Jack nods, "But tell me what was so important that you couldn't stay."
The guy sighs loudly and sternly sais, "Ok. A business meeting about Pokemon capture. Happy?"
Ok, the limo moves on and down the short road. Jack got his answer with great results. Why is the world full of trainers that don't care? It can't be stopped, all Jack can do is care more and try to even out the balance.
"I'm here at last." After five unexpected captures later, Jack makes it to Saffron City. The limo pulls into a parking garage for VIP's only. This would be a fun experience for anyone not rich.
Well, as it turns out, Jack denies living with Marty for a couple days. He wants to be old fashioned with training and be at the Pokecenter where all the action takes place. That way he can be up to date with Pokemon situations around the city. Jensen says his goodbyes and gives Jack a small token of his appreciation: a piece of the expensive rye bread. Jack thinks *BLEH* and smiles. Marty shakes his hand and also hands Jack an item: a Fire Stone. Marty says �why not use it now?' But Jack knows when his Pokemon are ready to evolve and wants them to decide, not him. The mom and baby Stantler say their goodbyes also. Such a heartbreaking separation.
The rich company is gone and Jack is alone... well, except for his Pokemon. He walks out from the train station, all tickets sold out for two days. Man, what can he do now? Yep, explore and battle, mostly battle.
Talking to himself, "You know, am I ready to challenge the Gym in Goldenrod City? Maybe, but I think these next two days are evolving-my-Pokemon days. But first, a quick survey of the city."
Hmmm, this one street he takes a turn down has few people and no moving cars. The stores are open but hardly any customers. And any people on the street are running, not walking. He walks into this one clothing store and finds a nice overcoat made of corduroy and adequately long. Shorts won't match, so he buys some elastic felt type pants-- no belt required. After changing with his new look, Jack crosses the street and buys some Poke-belts that stick on one side. That way, he can line his inside of his overcoat with some of his Pokeballs and grab from there. Sneaky! Jack has noticed that each cashier has given him the cold-eye look. They seem scared or something. Upon the third cashier, which he buys an upgraded version of his hat, also spooked and pale. Having enough courage now, Jack speaks.
"Why is everyone around here acting weird?" The cashier points nervously behind the customer. Jack turns and also turns pale. "G..ggg...gggg...gggghost!" Gastly spins horizontally, tongue flailing around with high pitched screaming. And just like a scardy-cat, Jack flees the building and runs from the street, all the way back to the Pokecenter.
After he calms down from talking with his family, Jack finds a chair and plops down. Nurse Joy walks over with her hand to her face. "I heard about that Gastly from trainers that come in. It's been here for about 2 months. No one can shop down that street. Your lucky to get two stores." Jack got three purchases; does that make him special?
"Why can't it be caught?"
Joy sighs. "Believe me, powerful trainers have tried but it never shows up to battle. No one has been able to touch it. But right now, a trainer has been called from Lavender Town to take care of this ghost. Steer clear of that street and you'll be fine."
*SIGH* The next day approaches, Jack is up early and searching for action. And he finds it quickly.
(Cue 3v3 Conference Battle with gurl53092)
A heart breaking loss. But an hour later, another battle ensues.
(Cue 3v3 Conference Battle with flareon008)
Another loss. Maybe mornings are not his battling strength. He may be too tired. Yeah, lets blame something else rather that the person who's fault it really is.
After lunch of Cheeseburgers, Jack is challenged by a young trainer. Thinking this will be easy, Jack replies.
(Cue 1v1 Conference Battle with jiggly_girlzaa)
Horrendous! Trying to match fire with fire doesn't work as Jack loses. He cuddles Vulpix in his arms. "Poor Vulpix. You'll be fine with some rest."
Late afternoon set in, Jack battles one more time before heading back to the Pokecenter.
(Cue 3v3 Conference Battle with teeshtwo)
Winning is bliss. Plus, his Pokemon are happy. Maybe night time in Saffron City is his energy to get into battles. Whatever it is, Jack is one step closer to evolving his Pokemon.
On his way back to the Pokecenter, a girl stops him and asks a question. "Do you know where Line Street is? I'm new in town coming from Lavender Town and am kinda lost."
Jack recalls what Joy said..... " �But right now, a trainer has been called from Lavender Town to take care of this ghost.' " Maybe, just maybe, she is that trainer. "Uh, I think it's that way." Jack decides to go for it and see how strong she is. "Want to battle before you go?"
"Oh, I don't think your part of my league." Smiling, she sends out her first Pokemon.
(Cue 4v4 Conference Battle with Gotenks2610)
Great battle, except for the fact that Jack lost. But that didn't matter at all. Spinarak and Grimer both evolve to get back into the game but they were too weak for her Pokemon to beat. But his achievement is almost ready. He set to evolve most of his Pokemon and he just did half of it. Tomorrow he will work on Magnemite and Metapod.
*YAWN* Night slowly sets in; dark clouds cover the sky quicker than piranhas can devour food. Jack checks his receipts and realizes the hat store guy overcharged him. So, it's back to that one street again. As soon as he gets there, a person standing by runs over to Jack. "Hey you, be careful around here. Some girl found that Gastly and is attempting to get rid of it. But since her arrival, stores are slowly becoming active again." He stops and goes over to someone else wandering on the street.
"Good, then I don't have to be worried about being scared again." Jack shudders and wanders to the store. He sees jolts of lighting coming from an ally; it must be where the battle is happening. Shortly, the store clerk corrects the mistake and gives some money back and apologizes. With that finished, he leaves the store. But he doesn't wander too far as he watches the ally again.
"Ok, Hyper Beam it now."
The ally way explodes in a flash of light, trash being thrown everywhere. The girl comes walking out, with smoking clothes and a Pokeball in hand. She collapses on the ground all worn out. Jack decides to check on her.
A small crowd of people surround the girl. Everyone wanted to help but no one actually did anything. Then she speaks, "I couldn't handle it. Too tricky." And just as she stops, a shadowy figure appears smack dab in the center of the circle. Yep, Gastly. Silence.......
"Ahhhhh.....!!!"
Everyone runs and screams. Jack shivers to death, not liking to be scared at all. He runs and runs and takes a turn after this one store. He looks back to see no ghost following him and stops. *BONK* A brick wall stops Jack's backward movement. A dead-end ally full of trash bags, one hugs trash bin and a sewer manhole. A wild Meowth perched on top of the wall meows and jumps to the other side. Jack calms down, breathing slowly, heart still beating every so fast.
"Oooooooooooooo.... ahhhhhhhhh...."
Jack jumps from the scary noises. "Aw gees, this is creeping me out." He breathes heavily. "I know Gastly will pop into the open. Don't get scared, don't get scared..." Jack closes his eyes and opens them up again.
"Gastly?"
*TEETH CHATTERING* Jack cringes as Gastly floats to the front of the ally. "Quit scaring me, I scare too easily." Gastly disappears. A Pokeball is thrown out from Jack: Ariados. "Ariados, make a web around this area so Gastly will get caught." Ariados gets working, shooting webbing all around to make a nice spiral web. "Oops, should have left an opening for me to escape through. Ariados, huh?" Ariados falls down to the ground with a hard hit. Gastly floating in the air laughing. Jack snaps into it and recalls Ariados. "That's right. Gastly is a Pokemon and I can catch it. Ok Gastly, prepare to meet Jack...." Jack points to Gastly but it's no longer there.
Then there is a loud screech behind the wall, like a cat fight. Jack turns to see Meowth return to the top of the wall, hissing at something. A blast of purple shatters a chunk from the top of the wall and blasts Meowth into the webbing made by Ariados. Part of the web, the lower part, breaks off into bits of pieces that float away in the air.
"Alright, go Beedrill. Take flight." Beedrill is called upon and buzzes above. Jack also calls Vulpix out. "Beedrill, block that ghost. Vulpix, follow me." The group splits up. Beedrill attacks, heading for Gastly. It fades from view, Beedrill going right through it. Gastly reappears and blasts Beedrill with Night Shade.
Meanwhile, Meowth gets some company. Vulpix Ember's the webbing stuck to Meowth. It gives a hint that it's alright but Jack picks it up anyway and move to the side of the ally.
*CRASH* Beedrill nails the ground and no longer can battle. "Ah, Beedrill. Rest. Vulpix, Flamethrower!" Vulpix aims up and fires her fire. Gastly manages to avoid again by disappearing. "No good. It will just keep disappearing." For one of the few times, Jack looks to the Pokedex.
POKEDEX: Gastly, the gas Pokemon: With it's gas-like body, it can sneak into any place desired. However, it can be blown away by the wind.
"Really? Wind can blow the gas away. Sure, Farfetch'd, come on out and play." Farfetch'd comes out to join Jack's side along with Vulpix. "Farfetch'd, get ready and attack."
"Fetch!" Farfetch'd takes to the sky. His eyes glow and Leer at Gastly. Gastly freezes for one second, just enough time for Peck to hit. Gastly sticks its tongue out and Licks Farfetch'd square on the face. Luckily it fails and gives Farfetch'd another chance to attack. "Faaarrr!" Another Peck at the gas Pokemon hits.
"Gastly!" it says angrily and stares directly at Farfetch'd. Hypnosis waves comes out and affect Farfetch'd heavily. Down.....
"Nice try Farfetch'd." Jack returns his flying type before hitting the cement bottom. "I didn't even get to use a wind attack. How a bout Magnemite."
Gastly floats over Jack and through the webbing still up. Magnemite follows and Jack calls to stop just before it gets stuck. Close one. Before an attack could happen, Gastly disappears.
"Hmmm... if I can't see Gastly, how can I battle it. *SNAP* I got it! Magnemite, use Rain Dance to create rain." Having learned this new ability, Magnemite spins rapidly, jumping left to right, and right to left. A beam shoots into the already dark clouds. Moments later, it begins to rain. Jack kneels down, opening his overcoat to cover Meowth and Vulpix so they don't get wet. "Don't worry, you'll both be fine under here for now." He holds them both to his body for warmth. Now to look up at the battle.
Up above, the rain splashes off of the invisible Gastly which gives away his whereabouts. He may be invisible, but he can still be hit. "Thunderwave that ghost fast." Magnemite sends electric waves at the spot the rain hits and Gastly appears, now being effected by Paralysis. The rain stops slowly but the clouds remain dark and overhead.
"Magnemite," it says in it's metallic voice as Jack orders and Thunder. Electricity pours out from the sides and shoots in all directions. Gastly is hit dead center; however, so is everything else since water conducts electricity. The whole ally lights up with yellow sparks.
"Gaaaaaaaassstlly...." "Vuuullllll..." "Eeeoooooooowww..." "Ahhhhh....."
The only one not screaming is Magnemite. Jack falls backwards, Vulpix slumps down, Meowth falls sideways, Gastly hits the ground.... Wait, Gastly hit the ground? Maybe being paralyzed keeps it from going through objects. Jack sights this and quickly responds to action.
"Lock-on and Thunder again." Magnemite charges at Gastly, using the metal brain to lock onto the ghost; then the electric blast of Thunder shoots in all directions again. To Jack's quick thinking, and irresponsibility, everything except Magnemite gets shocked again. He falls steaming more than before, "Ouch, that stings." Gastly twirls around and around in circles from the blast right in front of Jack. "Oh, hey Vulpix... use Flamethrower." Vulpix takes her time to get ready after the shock and this allows Gastly to dodge left to avoid. And being unlucky, Magnemite is hit instead. *FWOOM* *CLUNK* Magnemite falls down. Jack hits his head. "Stupid me. Come back. Vulpix, I believe you can finish this." He picks up Meowth and holds it inside his corduroy overcoat. It's wet fur quickly becomes dry. It meows a sigh of relief.
Vulpix rushes out and nails Gastly with Fire Spin. The two stare at each other long and hard. Gastly is still being affected by the paralyzing affects of Thunderwave. Confuse Ray shoots out from each Pokemon, the combination explodes into a dark dust. Jack runs through the battle quickly to the entrance of the ally so he isn't trapped by the brick wall. Vulpix and Gastly's eyes glare with confusion. Vulpix aims high, too high, and fires at the webbing anchors. This burns the web connected to the side building, causing the web to collapse... directly onto Gastly. Gastly stumbles about and soars over Vulpix and rams into the wall, knocking it over to pieces. Vulpix fires yet again at a trash pile, setting fire to it.
"Vulpix, no. You better return. Uh, oops, I can't reach her Pokeball since I'm holding Meowth." So, he quickly puts it down and recalls Vulpix and sends Gyarados out to put the fire away. Meowth is returned to his warmth, now Jack has one hand free, holding an empty Pokeball.
Gyarados rummages through the bricks and uncovers Gastly's gassy body. It's purple gas no longer surrounds it, and its eyes are all swirly-like. "Good job Gyarados. You're one step ahead of me. Pokeball, go!" Jack throws the Pokeball oddly and it lands onto Gastly. Undoubtably, it goes in and the moment of truth now begins. Has Jack captured the tricky ghost of Lane Street? If so, it has happened by a fluke accident. Now he waits...
?(-o-) Gastly
?(-o-) Meowth
~Graded: Gastly and Meowth caught
