Welcome to the Ri & Billy Story Section. Please note that this series has been discontinued. The story is about two young kids, Ri and Billy who are from the Seafoam Islands. Billy's parents never let him have or even get close to a pokémon, but when he and Ri find themselves out in the real world, he begins to learn much more about them. The series is played out as an adventure for Ri and Billy with a subtle love theme played into it. Please enjoy.
Ri is a pokémon breeder-in-training from the Seafoam Islands. She works with her parents in their small pokémon adoption center. Ri’s only pokémon, a Horsea named Aqua, had been abandoned by its trainer a year ago. Ri found her on the shore and nursed her back to health. Since that day, Aqua and Ri have been best friends and Ri began learning to be a pokémon breeder so she could help other pokémon.
“Ri. Ri, where are you?”
“Coming mommy.” Ri ran out of her room towards to sound of her mother’s voice in the front lobby. “Yes mommy?”
“Honey, would you please assist this kind gentleman here.” Her mom pointed to a little boy Ri knew from school last year.
“Oh, hi Ri,” the boy said shyly. His cheeks blushed. Ri smiled as her mom left the room.
“Hi Billy. What’s happening?”
“Umm, umm,…” Billy couldn’t find the right words.
“Hey, do you want to play by the beach? It’s such a beautiful day and I’ll bring Aqua…”
“Um…” Billy looked really sad.
“What’s wrong?”
“I… I don’t have any pokémon…” Small tears fell from his eyes. “My parents won’t let me have one. They say pokémon are evil. Bu… but I think pokémon are cool and I want to raise one of my own, just one.” Although his face now showed determination, a few more tears formed in his crystal-like eyes.
“That’s awful. Your parents must not understand the good in raising a pokémon. It’s a great learning experience.”
“But they’ll never let me have one…”
“Maybe you can borrow one of ours when you come over. Here.” Ri reached into a bag of pokéballs and pulled out one of the new arrivals. “We just got this one in the other day. He was found lost in a cave.” Ri opened the pokéball revealing a timid looking, male Nidoran. It took a quick glance at the two humans and began to shake. It had obviously not had a good first encounter with humans.
“What is it?”
“This pokémon is called a Nidoran. He looks a bit shy, but maybe with a little caring, he’ll learn to trust you. Would you like to hold him?” Ri extended the Nidoran out to Billy.
“Oh…” Billy had never been this close to any pokémon before in his life. For a second, he smiled. But his joy soon turned to fear. “I can’t.”
“Why? You could just take care of him for today.”
“What if my parents find out?”
“We won’t get caught. Trust me. Now let’s go to the beach! Bye mom! I’m going to the beach with Billy. Back before dinner!” Ri jumped over the counter and ran out the door with Billy. Her mom smiled to herself.
Once at the beach, Ri’s Horsea jumped happily into the ocean and swam around. Billy didn’t play with them though.
“Hahahahahahaha,” he giggled as his new pokémon played with him. “Ri, I love this pokémon!” Nidoran continued to lick Billy’s face. “Hahahaha,” he giggled more falling over on his back with Nidoran held high over his head.
“So, you really like that Nidoran huh?”
“It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever had. I love this Nidoran. I want it. I want to keep it with me for the rest of my life. Please Ri, I must have this pokémon!” Billy was definitely over his shyness.
“Well, it’s fine with me, but what about your parents?”
“I don’t care anymore. I must have Nidoran.” Billy took close hold of his new Nidoran, protecting it in a way. “I’ll hide the pokéball in my room somewhere. Anything. Ri, I can’t live without this pokémon. Please, promise me I can keep it.” Billy had gotten himself down of his knees and still was almost up to Ri’s shoulders.
“I promise Billy. You may keep the Nidoran. Here’s its pokéball.”
“Thank you so much Ri!” Billy got up and kissed Ri on the cheek. She was stunned. Her hand touched the spot he had kissed her almost automatically. Suddenly, she snapped out of it. “C’mon! Didn’t you say you wanted to play with your pokémon on the beach? Let’s go!” She was still blushing from the kiss.
“I never knew he was like that…” she thought to herself. She picked up Aqua and joined Billy on the beach. They played long into the night…
Last time, Ri and Billy were playing together on the beach of Seafoam Islands. Ri gave Billy a Nidoran to keep as his very first pokémon. Billy, having never seen a pokémon so close in his life, fell instantly in love with his new friend. But his parents are completely against pokémon and Billy must now choose between either keeping Nidoran or obeying his parents wishes. And now, the story…
It was getting late. They watched the sun set across the water. “It’s getting late Billy. Do you think we should head home now?”
“Just another few more minutes Ri. You’ll miss the best part if you go home now.” Ri nodded and sat back down next to Billy. They both watched as the sun disappeared below the ocean. The sky was filled with a magnificent amount of color.
“Oh… It’s so beautiful.” Ri placed her hand gently on Billy’s. He started to blush.
“I… I’m glad you like it. I used the sit here and watch the sun set a lot when I was younger, but not with anyone else, just myself, alone.”
“Mhmm.”
“But now, me and Nidoran can watch it together forever! Oh, and you too of course, right?”
“Oh, yes, of course. Where are you going to hide Nidoran tonight?”
“Well, I’ll keep it in my pocket until I get home. Then, I’ll hide it in my pillow. They’ll never find it there.”
“Ok. Well, thanks for showing me that cool sunset. I’ll never forget it. I gotta run or I’ll be late for dinner.” Ri jumped up and began heading back to her house. Billy was still sitting on the beach with Nidoran.
“Don’t worry about anything Nidoran. My parents may not like pokémon, but I think they are wrong ‘cause you are the coolest. I’ll never let them take you away. But if I want to keep you, I need you to stay inside this ball thing while we are at home otherwise they might see you, ok?” Nidoran somehow understood. “Oh, now how does this thing work anyways?” Billy shook the tiny ball but nothing was happening. Nidoran, being familiar with pokéballs from before stole the ball from his hands. “Hey, I need to get it open first. Huh?” Nidoran tapped the button and Billy watched as the ball expanded.
“Nidoran, nido, nido.”
“Ah, I see.” Nidoran tapped the button again and was taken into the pokéball. Billy was kinda scared for a sec but then realized what had happened. “Ok, now I get it. Great.” The ball reduced its size as Billy picked it up. He placed it in his pocket and hurried home.
“So son, what did you do today?” Billy’s mom asked. His dad was reading the newspaper.
“See, another attack just over that silly card game. I tell ya, those pokémon are ruining our youth today. Back in my day…”
“Please dad, not another story.”
“What? They aren’t that boring are they?” Billy and his mom attempted to mask their thoughts. “Hmm, guess so. Ok, but still, this is getting so out of hand. I’d rather see you grow up to be doctor or something important, not a pokémon trainer.”
“What’s so wrong with being a trainer? If you’re really good, you become famous worldwide!”
“That’s enough Billy. You hang around Ri too much. She’s a bad influence on you, her parents owning that pokémon adoption store. Just another marketing scam in the long line of pokémon-related crap.”
“Stop saying bad things about Ri!” Billy shouted. He covered his mouth quickly.
“Listen young man. You are my son and you’ll do as I say. Got it.”
“Yes, sir…” he said softly.
“Billy, we just don’t want you getting involved with something that is the cause of so many problems. We’re looking after your safety.”
“I’m ten years old mom, I can take care of myself. I’m not a baby anymore.”
“But you are still young enough to have to live under this roof so be respectful. No pokémon, ever. One day, people will learn it’s just silly to do all that and move on to having normal jobs again.” Billy could see arguing with his parents was useless so he ran to his room.
“I’m going to do my homework now. Just call me when dinner is ready.”
“Ok. It won’t be too much longer.”
Billy closed and locked his door. He started crying. “It’s not fair. It’s just not fair. Why can’t I have nice parents like Ri. Her parents understand pokémon. They don’t think it’s evil. Oh…” Billy reached into his pocket and pulled out the pokéball containing Nidoran. “Don’t you worry, they won’t ever find you.” He placed the ball in his pillow. His mom called him for dinner.
“So Ri, are you and Billy going to see each other again?”
“Huh? Mom…”
“Hahaha, sorry. You two make such a cute couple. How’s he doing anyway?”
“His parents don’t want him getting involved with pokémon, but he’s become attached to that Nidoran I gave him.”
“Well, Billy must decide for himself what he wants to do. When I was young, my parents wanted me to do other things than raise pokémon, but that was what brought me the most joy. When they saw how much fun I was having raising pokémon, they decided to let me become a breeder. Maybe Billy’s parents will come around.”
“I don’t think so. They are really against it, and I mean against it. I don’t think they like it that we hang out together because I’m into pokémon.”
“Well, Billy’s a smart kid. He’ll find a way to discover his own path. But maybe you should play a small role in all this. The last thing you need is for his parents getting mad at you. I agree, they can really be pains most of the time.” Ri nodded and they ate dinner. Ri’s father was still away on business in Celadon City, so he wasn’t able to attend dinner with them often.
The next morning, Billy woke to a normal alarm clock. “Ohh, why does school have to start so early.” He got out of bed and got dressed. Then, he grabbed his books and went into the kitchen for breakfast. He forgot all about Nidoran in his room.
Ri no longer attended public school mainly because she had done well enough to qualify for home schooling. The schools in her area really didn’t teach much about pokémon anyways, mainly because of Billy’s parents and some other older folks in their village. She and her mom practiced different pokémon breeding exercises in the mornings before opening the store. During the day, her mom taught her about finances and other business concepts.
Billy finished his breakfast and realized he had forgotten the pokéball with Nidoran. “Oh no.” He ran back to his room. His parents were waiting inside. “Umm, I forgot a book in my room.” His father was holding a small spherical object.
“Are you sure you weren’t forgetting this?” Billy was paralyzed. His face was white, his hands frozen, his heart pounding faster and faster. Tears started to fill his eyes. “How could you do this to us Billy? We told you that pokémon are not good, they cause young kids to get in fights and make them start trouble. Why did you disobey us?”
Billy’s eyes searched everywhere. He couldn’t speak. His mind was racing. Thousands of thoughts filled his mind of what would happen next. He could bear to think of what his dad would do to Nidoran. “Daddy, I love my new Nidoran.”
“NO!”
“Yes. I… I… I want to be a pokémon trainer. I want be collect different pokémon and become famous. I… I…” He couldn’t speak another word. Tears were dripping from his eyes at a steady rate now.
“NO NO NO! This isn’t happening. We raised you to be a normal child, not some pokémon-loving freak like that girl Ri.”
“STOP MAKING FUN OF RI!” Billy attempted to take the pokéball from his father’s hands but was unsuccessful. “Give it back!”
“No. I told you before. You are to have nothing to do with pokémon ever, or Ri for that matter, understand.” His father’s temper was building. Billy’s mother tried holding him back.
“Look what you’ve done now Billy. See how mad you’ve made me and your father. Is this what you repay us with, after all the love and care we give you?”
“Give Nidoran back! Give him back! Give him back!” His tears flew from his face as he kicked his dad’s leg. “Give him back to me! Please daddy! I love that pokémon and I won’t let you take him away.”
“Stop this now. See what this thing has done to you. You’ve become messed up in the head.” As angry as he was, Billy’s dad couldn’t bring himself to hurt his own son, no matter how much Billy retaliated. He only gripped the ball harder.
“Billy stop. You’re not acting like the Billy we used to know. Listen to your father and look at yourself. You’re attacking him over a stupid pokémon.”
“Nidoran isn’t stupid! He’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me and I won’t let you take it.” Billy landed a strong kick to his dad’s shin. He limped slightly and let go of the ball. Billy quickly jumped up and caught it. “I’ve found what I want to do in my life. I’m going to become a pokémon trainer. I don’t care what you say. If you care anything about how I feel, you’ll support me and let me go.”
His dad recovered. “How dare you. That stupid girl’s been putting words into your mouth hasn’t she.”
“I TOLD YOU TO STOP TALKING BAD ABOUT RI!!!” Billy was completely red now. His anger was raging inside him. He took a book out from his bag and threw it at his dad. “I hate you! I’m never coming back, NEVER!” He ran out the door with Nidoran’s pokéball in his hand. He tried to whip the tears from his eyes.
Billy’s father easily caught the book and looked at the title. “Intro to Medicine,” it read. A tear formed in his eye. “Oh dear… what have we done?” His wife tried to comfort him. He looked at the book again. “What have we done to our little boy…” They didn’t pursue their fleeing son.
“Ok, so what’s the most important thing in raising a pokémon, no matter what type?”
“That’s easy, trust.”
“And why?”
“Without trust between the trainer and their pokémon, the pokémon won’t understand the trainer’s true feeling towards it and won’t know that the trainer will always be there for it.”
“Very good. You are going to make a fine pokémon breeder some day. Ok, are you ready for the next…” Her mother heard someone approaching.
“What’s wrong mom?”
“Someone’s at the door I think.” Ri and her mom both went to answer the door.
“Billy???” Ri took a quick look at her friend and saw the tears rolling down his cheeks. “Aren’t you supposed to be in school now? What happened? Why are you crying?” Ri’s mother backed away. She knew Ri could take care of this herself.
“M… m… my parents found Nidoran. Daddy tried to take him away but I wouldn’t let him. And… so… I…” his sentence trailed off with his crying. Ri put her arms around him to comfort him.
“It’s ok Billy. It’s ok…” She patted him softly on the back. Ri’s mother stayed back and watched her daughter. Billy was calming down now.
“{sniff}I… I ran away from home Ri. M… my parents don’t want me to be a {sniff} pokémon trainer, but that’s what I want to do, not be a doctor.” He had stopped crying and his face had turned back to a normal color again.
Ri let Billy have a chance to reorganize himself. “It’s ok. Everything’s gonna be fine ok.”
“Uh huh,” he sobbed. Ri gave him a warm hug and they sat down at a table in the back room.
Ri and Billy sat down with Ri’s mother inside the store. Billy had stopped crying but was still sad. Ri meanwhile was thinking about what she could do to help Billy’s problem.
“Ri, what should I do?”
“I’m not sure Billy…”
“Hey, I don’t know if you’d both agree with this, but Ri, you and Billy are of age to go on your pokémon journeys. You could both travel to Pewter City. I can get you both tickets on the Pidgeot Airways.” Ri looked at her mother with a strange and worried look.
“You want us to leave?”
“No no, I didn’t mean it like that Ri. I’m just telling you a possible choice you can make. I’d love it if you stay here, but it’s a big world out there and you should explore it. You can’t learn everything from me.”
“Hmm, I guess you’re right. What do you think Billy? Would you like to journey with me to Pewter City?”
Billy thought about his parents for a second. “If I left Seafoam, they’d never be able to bother me again. But if I left, would that make me a bad person?” “Umm, I don’t know if I can?”
“Billy, you want to be with that Nidoran right?”
“Yes, but.”
“Well, your parents aren’t going to change. Maybe this isn’t such a bad idea. And you could be with Nidoran and train it. Please Billy, come with me. I… I want to be with you too.”
“You do?”
“Y… Yes.” Ri stopped. Wow, she actually said it. Indirectly, but the point was right there. She said it.
“Ohh, well then. Ok! I’ll go! Let’s leave today. I’ve got all I need.”
“Ok, I’ll grab a few supplies we can use.”
“Here you go Ri.” Ri’s mother had just booked them a flight on Pidgeot 558 while they had been chatting via the Internet. “Here are your tickets.” Ri and Billy thanked her for everything and set off for the airport.
On their way to the airport, two figures watched in the shadows. “Don’t.”
“But…”
“Let him go. I know he’ll be ok.”
“I… I never thought this would happen.”
“Let the healing take place. In time, he will be ready for us to welcome him again, but now is not the time.”
“I understand.” They hugged each other and watched Ri and Billy walk into the distance. His tear came in visual contrast to his shadowy figure.
“Flight 558 to Pewter City will be departing in 5 minutes.”
“Oh no! Hurry Billy.”
“I’m running as fast I can.”
They both made a mad dash to the terminal and showed the stewardess their boarding passes. Soon after, the flight departed.
“Wow, our island sure is small from up here.”
“Yeah. I’ve never seen the whole thing from this high.”
“Ri, do you think my parents are mad at me?”
“No Billy. I think they have realized that you found your true calling. One day, they will return to you with open arms. Trust me.”
“Ok. So, what’s in Pewter?”
“There’s a trainer named Brock who’s a breeder too. I might be able to learn some stuff from him. You too might learn from him about handling your pokémon.”
“Ok.” They got off the plane in Pewter and headed to the pokécenter to spend the night. Tomorrow they would go to see Brock.
Our story continues as Ri and Billy wake up the next morning in the pokécenter. Billy’s Nidoran and Aqua were still sleeping back to back on the floor. All of the sudden, Nidoran made a slight movement causing Aqua to slip down and hit the floor. She woke up, startled that her pillow had appeared to have crept away.
“Hehehe. Silly Aqua, here…” Ri knelt down and picked up her annoyed Horsea. “Hey Billy, wake Nidoran so we can go get breakfast together.”
“Ok.” Billy went over to Nidoran who was now lying alone on the floor. “Hey, Nidoran, time to get up. Let’s get some breakfast. C’mon.” Billy picked up Nidoran who was still sleeping and left the room with Ri.
“Huh, aren’t you gonna wake him?”
“Pokémon must get hungry too. He’ll wake up.”
“Ok.” They both entered the Brock’s Diner attached to the pokécenter.
At the diner, the TV announcer was reporting on the current standings in the Pokémon League.
“Well, all the trainers have been giving impressive battles. Meeko has won her first-round battle against Trucks, Lynne has bested A.J., and Dernam defeated Amber. We are definitely in for a great second round…” They showed some highlights from the matches.
“Wow! Those pokémon are really strong!”
“Oh, the league games. I heard trainers from around the world come to compete in that to determine who’s the greatest of all. You know Billy, if you get the hang of training, you could be on TV.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Hey, you know that guy I need to see today, Brock, he’s a pokémon trainer too. Maybe he’ll give you some training tips too.” Billy nodded and watched the current battle in progress.
"Gyarados, slam it with Dragon Rage before it gets a chance," ordered Lance. Gyarados dove into the water and began to swim faster and faster around in a small circle, forming a watery cyclone.
"Urgh... auugh..." whimpered Jennifer. "Vileplume... try to run away or hide behind something!" Vileplume rolled its eyes and began to charge a Solarbeam.
A Chansey came up to Ri and Billy’s table. It handed them both a menu and went back to the kitchen.
“Hmm, this looks good.” Billy looked at where Ri was pointing to and agreed. “Yep, pancakes and toast sounds good to me.” The Chansey returned, took their order, and was off again.
“Wow. I could never do that good…,” Billy said watching the current match.
“You never know. Even the best trainers had to start somewhere.” The Chansey returned once again with their food and they ate. After they were finished breakfast, they thanked Nurse Joy for the accommodations and went outside to see the rest of the city.
“Wow, and I though our island was big.” Some other trainers ran by chatting about the league games. “Man, everyone is talking about the Pokémon League.”
“Yeah, I remember the first time I went to the games,” a tall man behind them said.
“Huh, who are you?” Billy turned to see a tall man wearing an orange and green vest.
“I wasn’t in them, but I helped coach a kid who later become a champ.”
“Are you Brock?”
“Yes, yes I am miss.”
A little angel-Brock appeared on his shoulder. “She’s a cute one isn’t she.”
An evil devil-Brock appeared on the opposite shoulder. “Oh yeah. Just look at…”
“Family show guys…” Brock snapped.
“Huh? Who are you talking to?”
“Huh, no one! I..I..I mean, what’s you name little girl?” Brock worded in a lovesick manner.
“Uhhh, Ri…”
“Ri, that’s such a pretty name.” *SMACK!*
“Ok Brock, that’s enough. You can’t torment every girl you find.” It was Misty of Cerulean City. Luckily she was just on her way to Pallet to see Prof. Oak about something when she found them.
“You’re no fun.”
“Humph. Oh hello there. My name’s Misty, what’s yours?”
“I’m Ri and this is Billy.”
“Oh… she already has a boyfriend…,” Brock said to himself.
“So, what are you two doing in Pewter?”
“We came here to talk with Brock about pokémon breeding.”
“Oh, hey, I’d like to hear Brock teach a lesson, let’s go.” Misty nudged Brock as his eyes were starting to wander again.
“Ok ok, I’m coming.”
Back at the gym, Brock started showing Ri some different breeding techniques and overall care for pokémon. She learned how to mix the proper foods for different types and how best to take care of them when they were sick. Misty didn’t really want to hear Brock teach so she sat down with Billy.
“That’s a cute Nidoran you got there.”
“Thank you.” Billy gave Nidoran an enormous hug. “I love my Nidoran, it’s the coolest pokémon in the world.”
“Are you going to be a pokémon trainer?”
“Umm, I never thought about it. My parents never let me have pokémon until Ri gave me Nidoran. Then we both ran away, well, I ran away, her mommy was all ok with it.”
“That’s terrible. Well, maybe I can teach you how to battle with Nidoran.”
“Ok. Ri says if I learn how, I might be able to be in the Pokémon League some day!”
“Cool! I remember being at the pokémon league. It’s hard work, but lots of fun.”
The two gym leaders taught the two young students for a few more hours before it started getting late. “We should probably go and find an inn.”
“There’s a place right down the road. They don’t charge for pokémon trainers, or breeders. You should stay there. I hear the food’s almost as good as mine!”
“Thanks Brock, and Misty! Hope to see ya again!” Ri and Billy left the gym and headed for the inn Brock told them about to stay the night. They had learned a lot today, and tomorrow, they would continue their adventures.
Ri and Billy left the inn early that morning. They stopped by Brock’s Diner for breakfast before touring the rest of Pewter City.
“This is such a big place,” Billy said. Ri nodded as she looked around.
Billy held Nidoran close to him. It smiled as its trainer took it on the grand tour even though it knew nothing about what Billy was talking about. He just watched and smiled. Ri decided to hold Aqua too. And, like Nidoran, the little Horsea enjoyed every bit of scenery.
“I wonder where we should go. I know pokémon trainers travel to different cities to earn badges, but where do pokémon breeders go?” Ri looked frustrated. Billy didn’t know how to cheer her up so he just held out Nidoran to her.
“Look. Nidoran can be so cute!” Nidoran put on a very adorable face and Ri just laughed.
“Thanks Billy. Hmm, what’s this?” There was a sign on a bulletin board. “University of Rosetta?”
“Hey, they teach about pokémon breeding.”
“Hmm, yeah they do. Cool.” Ri read the note further. “Looks like it’s outside of Pallet Town. That’s south of here through the Viridian Forest.”
“A forest. Are there pokémon there too?”
“Yeah. I’ve heard that mostly bug type pokémon live there. And something about a Pikachu trainer.” Ri couldn’t recall the trainer’s name. It had been a while since the legendary Frosterpie mission. Not many remembered it now.
“Ok. Let’s go Ri!”
“Ok, ok. Huh?” Some tall man was now standing next to them. “Move it little girl.”
Billy’s face turned red with anger. “Listen you. Don’t you push around Ri like that.” Ri stepped back and urged Billy to do the same. For a shy boy, Billy did know when to speak up.
“Billy, it’s ok. Don’t.”
“No, the kid thinks he’s a tough guy huh? Let’s see. You have a nice little Nidoran there, Billy was it? How about a little battle to settle our dispute.”
A whistle blew. “Ok, break it up before I arrest you. How dare you raise your voice to those children. People like you should be locked away. What’s wrong with you?” Billy decided now was a good time to step away. Nidoran was equally happy, not being in any mood to battle.
“Sorry officer. It won’t happen again.” The man turned to Billy and Ri. “Hey, I’m really sorry kids. I’ve been having a bad day. I didn’t mean any harm.” He turned away and walked off.
“Ouuu… Hey, what are you kids doing around here anyways? Are you two trainers?”
“Not really m’am. I’m studying to be a pokémon breeder and he’s just with me.”
Jenny knelt down to Ri and spoke close. “Is he your boyfriend?”
“What! Well… Kinda, I guess.” Billy blushed bright red. Nidoran smiled although he hadn’t a clue why he was. Jenny laughed then walked off.
“Hehehe, so you really like me Ri?”
“Well, ya. I do Billy. You are a really cool guy to be around.”
“Umm, thanks.” Ri didn’t know just how much more brighter Billy’s cheeks could get. She simply smiled and tugged Billy’s hand to get him to follow.
“C’mon, you said you wanted to see the forest right?”
“Oh, yeah! I want to see more pokémon.”
“Ok, well, I think it’s this way.”
Another stranger walked up to them. “Excuse me, but are you two headed for that Rosetta University?”
“Yes.”
“Well, you might want to stop by the Indigo Area. The best people who run that place are there cheering for their granddaughter Sarah Jane. I met the girl once, very nice lady.”
“Ok. We’ll do that.”
“Cool, are we going to see The Pokémon League?”
“Yeah. I guess we are. Um, mister, you would’t happen to know the fastest way there would you?”
“There’s a bus leaving for the Indigo Pavilion right now. You can take that. Just ask around when you get there. Someone will direct you to her.”
“Thanks!” Ri and Billy ran as fast as they could to catch the bus.
“WAIT!!!!” The driver opened the doors.
“Get in quick please.” They hopped into an empty seat and the bus drove off towards Indigo Stadium.
The bus arrived at Indigo Plateau. “It’s beautiful!” Ri said. They both got off the bus.
“How do we find the pavilion?”
“Are you looking for the pavilion? It’s just down that road there.”
“Gee, thanks.” Ri and Billy headed down the road the person directed them to.
“This whole place is just for the Pokémon League. That’s so cool.” There were many different pokémon here that Billy of course, but even Ri didn’t recognize.
“I’ve never seen one of those.” A young boy was holding a small bulb-like pokémon. “Excuse me, but what kind of pokémon is that?”
“Hmm, oh, this is an Oddish. Would you like to hold it?”
“May I?” Ri handed Billy Aqua and picked up the Oddish. “Aww, it’s adorable. I have to get myself one of these.”
“I believe if you look hard, you should be able to find some outside of Cerulean City. Are you here for the pokémon league?”
“Not exactly,” Ri said giving Oddish back and taking Aqua from Billy. “We are just looking for a trainer named Sarah Jane. Do you know her?”
“Hmm, name sounds familiar. Try looking in the pavilion, that’s where trainers hang out between battles usually.”
“Ok, thanks!” They continued towards the pavilion asking everyone if they knew where to find this trainer. Finally, one lady directed them to a table.
“See that girl over there. That’s the person you’re looking for.”
“Thank you miss.” Ri and Billy approached the table Sarah was sitting at.
Sarah Jane and Damian sat and listened with amused smiles on their faces as Dr. Eckert played 20 questions with Drake. Jon and Julia both still appeared to be in shock over discovering the Dragonite could talk.
“You don’t seem to be very surprised that Drake can talk,” said Damian.
“I sort of discovered it accidentally.... the first time I was in the hospital,” explained Sarah Jane as she broke up a Pokechow nugget formulated for carnivorous pokémon. It would be a few weeks before Pteryx grew in any teeth, and it would be easier to feed the baby Aerodactyl solid nuggets than pureed baby food when on the road. Under the table, Cuddles and Spunky were tugging and pouncing on their PokeDoll. Suddenly, Spunky kicked the doll out from under the table.
“Hey, what’s this?” asked Billy as he nearly stepped on a Pokedoll. Ri reached down to pick it up, but found it snatched away by a small female Nidoran. Billy’s Nidoran growled. Startled, the female grabbed the pokedoll and ran off.
“Do you think it belongs to anyone?” asked Ri.
“It had a collar,” said Billy.
“We should go after it to make sure it gets back to its trainer,” said Ri.
Billy’s Nidoran struggled briefly, then took off after the smaller one. “Hey, wait! Come back here!”
The female Nidoran ran under a table. Billy’s Nidoran chased it, stopping suddenly when it found itself facing a smaller, snarling male Nidoran. The two faced each other, growling. The female came out from under the table and also growled.
“What are you two up to?” asked Sarah Jane as she tucked Pteryx into her carrier. She looked down and found Cuddles and Spunky growling at a strange Nidoran.
“There you are!” said Billy as he picked up his Nidoran. It continued to struggle in his arms. “Sorry about that.”
“Its ok,” said Sarah Jane as she tried to calm down Cuddles and Spunky. She looked at the two strangers appraisingly.
“I’m Billy, and this is Ri,” said Billy by way of introduction. He tried to get his struggling Nidoran to settle down.
“I’m Sarah Jane. These are my grandparents, Xavier and Lillian Eckert, and my friends Damian, Jon, and Julia. The Dragonite is Drake, and the two troublemakers under the table here are Cuddles and Spunky,” said Sarah Jane as she bent over and fastened leashes on Cuddles and Spunky’s collars.
“Sarah Jane? We were looking for you....” said Ri.
“Oh?” replied Sarah Jane cautiously.
“Yes. A man in Pewter said you might help us find out about the University of Rosetta,” explained Ri.
“I see,” said Sarah Jane, relaxing. “My grandfather is probably the one you would want to speak to. He’s the Dean of Pokémon Studies at Rosetta. Grandpa?” Sarah Jane tugged at her grandfather’s sleeve.
“Hm?” asked Dr. Eckert, turning for a moment from Drake. The Dragonite tried to catch his breath. Dr. Eckert had been asking questions for 15 minutes straight.
“These are Billy and Ri. They were interested in Pokémon studies at the University,” explained Sarah Jane.
“A pleasure to meet you sir,” said Ri. Lillian and Xavier shook hands with the children.
Ri spoke first. “I heard that you teach about pokémon breeding. Well, I’m studying to be a pokémon breeder, but I don’t know where to start really.”
“Well young girl, you’ve certainly come to the right place. My university has classes on pokémon breeding and I know many famous breeders you should meet.”
Billy interjected. “But what’s the fun in breeding when you can battle in these cool games?”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong, Billy was it.”
“Huh?”
“You see, Celadon City hosts multiple breeding competitions. It’s really a cool thing to see. Not as publicized as the League Games are, but lots of breeders attend. Breeders work hard all year grooming and raising their pokémon, then, at the competition, judges rate just how good a job they’ve done. And for you Billy, they do have battles.”
“Cool! Umm, but I don’t know anything about battles...”
Ri stepped in. “Billy’s parents don’t approve of pokémon.”
“Don’t approve of it! That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Pokémon are amazing creatures. And they can help us to grow as individuals by learning from them. I think I should have a word with them some day. But hey, I believe my school can help both of you.”
“Cool! Can you tell us some more about this school of yours.”
“Well... oh, hold on Ri, Christy, over here!”
Christy came up to the group, her hands full of shopping bags. “Hey guys! Here’s a copy of the standings.” She handed Damian, Sarah Jane, Julia, and Jon each a printed sheet.
“Man, they’re starting too soon after the last matches,” said Jon as he looked at the lists. “Looks like you and I are both on the Ice Field,” he said to Sarah Jane. She looked at the starting time for her match, then jumped out of her seat. “Oh no, my match starts in 20 minutes! I need to get my Pokémon from the center!”
“Wha?” began Billy.
“You better go dear,” said Lillian. “We’ll be along soon.”
“Nice to meet you,” Sarah Jane said to Billy and Ri as she grabbed Cuddles and Spunky’s leashes. “I’ll try to talk to you after my match.” Sarah Jane ran off, the two Nidorans following her.
“Sarah Jane, wait! You forgot to leave Cuddles and Spunky!” called Lillian.
“She’ll be okay,” said Dr. Eckert as he grabbed his wife’s arm to keep her from running after Sarah Jane.
“I guess we sort of chose a bad time,” said Ri.
“Nonsense,” said Dr. Eckert. “Why don’t you come and watch the match with us, then we can talk some more.”
After a great time at the Pokémon League Games, our young companions arrive back in Viridian City. Winter has set in and the first snow has begun to fall.
“Yea! Billy, do you know what today is?”
“Uh huh, it’s Jynxmas Eve!” Jynxmas is a special time of the year when people exchange gifts and no pokémon battles are allowed. It’s a day when everyone can sit back and enjoy the company of their families and friends. “Um, I gotta go somewhere, I’ll meet you back here in 15 minutes.”
“Oh, all right. Come to think of it, I need to run somewhere too. We’ll both meet each other back here in 15 minutes.” Ri grabbed Aqua and ran off in one direction while Billy took Nidoran and ran the opposite way.
“Excuse me, I want to buy my girlfriend the best Jynxmas present there is.” The store clerk looked at Billy and his Nidoran.
“I’ve got just the thing.” He went into the back room and brought back a shiny pink pokéball with red ribbon wrapped around it. “There, your girlfriend will really love this pokémon.” He whispered the name into Billy’s ear.
“Yea! Thank you so much! Bye! Happy Jynxmas!”
“Happy Jynxmas!”
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Ri was hunting for the perfect gift to give Billy. “Umm, sir, I’m looking for a gift to give my boyfriend, but I’m not sure what it is. He’s just getting into pokémon.”
“Hmm, hold on a sec while I check the storeroom in the back.” The clerk disappeared into the back room. He came back out with a yellow colored pokéball. “Here, this is a very special pokémon. It was just recently discovered. I’ve had many nice comments on it. I know your friend will enjoy it.” Ri took the pokéball and went back to the place they said they’d meet.
They both arrived at the same time. “Hi. Ok, let’s get some dinner, it’s really late.”
“Yeah. I also heard that Team Rocket owns the gym in this city, so we should be careful.” Ri nodded and they headed to the pokécenter to have dinner.
They ordered their dinner from the Chansey waitress and ate. “I hope Jynx brings me lots of neat toys tomorrow morning.”
Billy didn’t look as happy. “Ri… Do you think my parents will ever understand what I want to be?” He sighed. “All I want for Jynxmas is for them to accept my choice in being a pokémon trainer.”
“Well, I think they will. Hey, that reminds me, I gotta call my mom and ask if daddy’s home.” Ri ran out to the video phone booths. She dialed her home number.
“Hello. Dee residence.”
“Hi mom, it’s me Ri!”
“Oh hello honey. I’ve got someone special who wants to talk to you.” Ri’s face lit up.
“Hey sweetie. How’s my favorite little girl doing?”
“Daddy! You’re home again. I’m fine. Billy and me are in Viridian City. We’re spending Jynxmas here in the pokécenter.”
“Great! I can’t wait to see you again sweetheart. Your mother and I are looking forward to visiting you guys as soon as possible.”
“Cool! Well, I better go to bed now before the Jynx comes. Happy Jynxmas mommy, daddy. See ya soon!” She hung up the phone and went back to a room with Billy.
“Goodnight Ri.”
“Goodnight Billy.”
Ri’s Nidoran licked her in the face. “Are you sure you have to go now?”
“Yes dear. But we will make sure we call you as much as possible.”
“O ok…” She gave her dad a big hug and then her mom. She held back her tears. Inside, she wanted to just be with them, but she knew that her path was not in that direction. “Goodbye,” she said as they left.
Billy’s parents were saying their goodbyes too. “Son, I’d just like to tell you that, I’m, I’m proud of you. You are happy doing this and that’s what you should be doing. I’m sure you’ll be a fine trainer. Good luck son. Send us letters and pictures of your battles.”
“You aren’t staying?”
“No, we can’t. Your mother and I must work so we can make money. You do want to have a house to come home to right? But don’t worry, we will keep in touch all the time.”
“Thank you.” Billy gave his parents a hug and they joined Ri’s as they left.
Billy’s Pichu cooed and leapt into his arms. “Pi!”
“Hahaha, awww, you are such a cute pokémon.”
Ri was looking at the necklace charm she got. She stared at it very close and she could have sworn she could see different water pokémon appear in it. “Oh, that’s neat.” Her two pokémon sat beside her. “Billy, what are you going to do with those new pokégear things you got?”
“I guess I should raise my pokémon so they can beat Brock.”
“Hmm, guess so.”
“Attention! Attention!! Step right up people and win a fabulous vacation to the Tropical Golden Islands!”
“No no, don’t listen to that guy, his contest is rigged. Besides, wouldn’t you two rather go to the Romantic Silver Shores?”
“Huh?!?” Both Ri and Billy were confused.
“Hey, they want to go to the Golden Islands.”
“No, silver.”
“Gold.”
“Silver.”
“GOLD!”
“SILVER!”
“Bronze!”
“Bronze???”
“Oh, I thought we were shouting out metals. You know…” Billy turned red with embarrassment.
“Hahaha, that’s a funny one kid.”
“Hey, you both look like you could use a nice vacation. It’s not gonna be great weather here, lots of blizzards on the way. I’d like to let you go to the Golden Islands for free.”
“Hey, and while you’re at it, you can visit the Silver Shores. They are right next to the Golden Islands.”
“Cool, thanks!”
“Just head right out this way.” A charter bus was waiting outside. Some people were already on it. “Oh, I forgot to mention, on the Golden Islands, they are having their annual breeders contest soon. My wife really enjoys it and says you can really learn a lot about pokémon by going to them. Well, you both have fun now.”
“Did you hear that? A breeder contest.” Ri’s eyes lit up as if they were diamonds being touched by the sun.
“Cool, are you going to enter it?”
“I don’t know. I’m not really that good…”
“Sure you are Ri. Hey, you’re the best pokémon breeder I know.”
“But I’m the only pokémon breeder you know…”
“Well, no, not true, I know Brock. He’s a breeder right?”
“But he’s way better than me…”
“Aww, cheer up. I think you should do it. I bet you would do just as good as the others.”
Ri nodded. They got on the bus and it departed for Flowdove City, which is just east of Pewter on the ocean. When the bus came to a stop at the pokémon center, everyone got off.
“All passengers headed for the Gold and Silver Islands should first check in at the pokémon center. The cruise ship will be boarding shortly.”
“Oh wow! We get to ride on a cruise ship! This is so awesome Ri!”
“Yeah! C’mon, let’s get checked in!”
As our two young friends head down to the main deck, we anxiously await seeing what adventures they will have, before they reach the Golden Islands. Find out next time!
In our last episode, Ri and Billy were on board the famous cruise liner, the SS Dove. They are now on their way to the dinning hall to see if there are any other pokémon trainers around.
“Right this way m’am. This is the dinning hall. You will be eating dinner in here later tonight. There are a couple people gather inside right now you may want to mingle with. Anyways, have a pleasant time inside.”
“Ok, thanks.” Ri and Billy walked inside. There were about 10 other kids about their age over on the opposite side of the room. They were showing off their pokémon.
“See, my Charmander is much better than that little Bulbasaur of yours. It could burn it to a cinder.”
“No it couldn’t,” Ri said.
“Huh. Hey, who asked you,” the boy responded harshly. Ri stepped back a sec but then recovered.
“I’m a pokémon breeder. This is my specialty. If you think that Charmander’s gonna roast anything, then you better start feeding it well. This poor thing’s been eating nothing but pokéjunk-food. You need to feed it the right type of food.”
“Wow, how can you tell that just from looking at it?”
“Like I said, I’m a pokémon breeder, that’s what I do.”
“Cool, can you look at my pokémon please.”
“No mine first.”
“Hey, hey, quiet. You pigs, none of you are gentlemen at all.” The kid turned to Ri. “Hello miss, the name’s Travis. What was your name?”
“Oh, sorry. You all can call me Ri. This is Billy.”
“Is he your boyfriend?”
Billy blushed as well as Ri. They didn’t need to hear the answer now. “So, where are all of you from?”
“I’m from Celadon City.”
“Me too.”
“Viridian.”
“Pallet.”
The rest of the kids were too busy to answer. “Where are you both from?”
“Oh, we’re from the Seafoam Islands.”
“Oh cool. My parents wanted to plan out summer vacation there. You can tell me where to stay.”
“That’s awesome. What’s it like living in the most popular tourist spot.”
“Well, they usually don’t come by my section of town. They stay more towards the beaches. My house is a ways inland. My family owns a Pokémon Adoption Center. I used to work in it, that’s why I like pokémon so much.”
“That’s cool. And Billy, what do you do. Hey, awesome, a Pichu!”
“He’s got a Pichu?”
“Let us see it please.”
“Um, ok.” They went to touch Pichu and were instantly fried. “Uhhh, I guess it doesn’t like strangers. They say this pokémon shocks people pretty quickly.”
“That’s for sure…”
“Hey, we are all sitting at the same table for dinner, care to join us?”
“Sure, we’d be delighted.”
“Great. Dinner’s not for another few hours. Who’s up for a pokémon match? Billy, you want to try at me?”
“Ummm, ok, I guess…”
Billy was a tad nervous, but he saw Ri and something inside of him told him he should do his very best. He smiled back to her then readied his first pokéball.
“Is this your first time Billy?”
“Umm…,” he hung his head in shame, “yes…”
“Hey, it’s cool. I just didn’t want to go really hard on ya if you’re just learning. That’s no way to train or battle. I’ll give you a fighting chance. Who are you going to start with?”
“For my pokémon, I choose Nidoran. Come out!”
“Hehe, nice phrase. Pokémon ready. Pokéball go! I choose Meowth!”
“Cool, a Meowth. Look Ri, a kitty.”
“Don’t underestimate that little cat Billy. Meowths have sharp claws making them very strong opponents.”
“Ok.”
“You may start off Billy.”
“All right. Nidoran.” His pokémon turned to await his instructions. “Use your scratch attack.” Nidoran nodded and went into a furious scratching attack. Meowth took only moderate damage.
“Good work. Meowth, counter back with your scratch attack.” The Meowth shed its claws and ran for the Nidoran. It took a few swipes and Nidoran fainted.
“Oh no, Nidoran. Oh, Ri, is he ok?”
“Don’t worry Billy. Nidoran will be just fine, give him this.” Travis handed Billy a revive to use on Nidoran. He did and Nidoran was awake again. “You’ll get the hang of it soon Billy. You and Nidoran should practice a lot together and it’ll grow stronger.” Travis turned his attention over to Ri. “I don’t suppose you’ll battle me.”
“No… I don’t really like pokémon battles all that much, at least not when I’m in it. I watch the Pokémon League games.”
“Ah, those are really exciting. I’m going to be in that someday.”
“Cool. The greatest trainers from around the world compete in that tournament. It must be very difficult to even enter.”
“Yeah. You have to collect eight badges from the gyms in order to enter. Then, you can battle the Elite Four. I hear they also have an elimination style tournament for master trainers.”
“So then Ri, what are you going to do when you get the Golden Islands? What exactly can a breeder do?”
“Glad you asked.” Ri went into a very cheery mode. “Breeders raise pokémon much like trainers only not by having them battle, but by caring for them and nurturing them. From what I heard back on the mainland, the Golden Islands hold a breeders competition every month or something and there’s one coming up very soon. I’m going to try to enter it.”
“A breeders competition?”
“Hmm, how do I explain it… It’s kinda something where the contestants show off their finest pokémon, the foods they have created, their breeding techniques, that kind of stuff.”
“Lost me…”
“Hehehe… Don’t worry. Maybe if we all stay together a while, I can teach you how to better take care of your pokémon so they will love you even more.”
“Sounds cool to me.”
“Yeah.”
“Hey, it’s starting to get close to dinner. I gotta run guys. See ya at table 7 right?”
“Yes Jen. Meet us down here at dinner. Ri, Billy, you are welcome to join us too. We are sitting at table 7, it’s right over there.” Travis pointed to a large circular table near the middle of the hall. “I gotta split too. See ya all at dinner.”
Ri and Billy waved goodbye to their new friends and returned to their room. “Travis is really cool huh?”
“Yes. All those guys were pretty neat to be around. I hope the rest of the trainers on the boat are that nice too.”
“I’m sure they are.”
“Yeah. Well, let’s get ready for dinner Billy.”
“Okee.”
Ri and Billy were back in their room now getting ready for dinner. “I can’t wait to eat. I wonder what they will be serving.”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s really good. C’mon, let’s hurry.”
Ri came out of her closet wearing a pretty pink dress. “Is this too fancy or just right?” Billy’s cheeks turned completely red. “That bad huh?” Billy wanted to say no but he couldn’t even speak. He was completely out of it. “Umm, hello. Are you still here Billy?” Ri noticed Billy’s Pichu walking around and led it towards its master. “Go wake up your trainer Pichu.” Pichu latched onto Billy’s foot and called out. When he got no response, he thundershocked Billy. It wasn’t much, but Billy did snap out of it as a result.
“Huh, what.”
“Ok ok, I’ll just wear this.” Ri came back out with just normal clothes on.
“Ok. You look great either way Ri.”
“Aww, thank you Billy.” She blushed slightly. From afar, their two Nidorans watched their masters court each other and began to mimic their actions. It was quite funny to see them try so hard to imitate their trainers.
“Let’s go down to dinner now. They should be there by this time.”
“Yes.” The two headed down to the dining room where their friends were waiting for them.
“Ri, Billy! Over here!” Travis shouted.
“Ahh, I see Travis over there, Billy.” They head over to Travis’ table. Jen was also there waiting.
“Ri, sit next to me,” Jen said. Billy sat next to Travis. “I was thinking about what you were saying earlier about pokémon breeding. Do you think I could do that too? Being a trainer is great and all, but I think being a breeder sounds much more interesting.”
“Really? Most people tend to think the opposite. But ok. I dunno Jen, pokémon breeding isn’t as easy as it looks. You have to know how to best nourish a young pokémon, regardless of type. You need to be able to feed it and possibly make your own food. It’s a lot of hard work.”
“I can do it. I know I can.”
“That’s a good attitude to have. I’m sure if you stay that way you’d make a fine breeder one day just like I will.”
Meanwhile, Travis and Billy were talking. “So, you really want to be a pokémon trainer huh?”
“Yes.”
“Well, it’s not too hard. The key thing is to really care about your pokémon. The more a trainer cares about his pokémon, the more likely the pokémon is to obey the trainer and win matches. The only other aspect is training your pokémon. That’s really accomplished however you want. I prefer using battles to strengthen up my pokémon.”
“So, all I really need to do is take good care of my pokémon and train them well?”
“Basically, that’s all there is to it.”
“Cool.”
The waiters came around the table taking people’s orders. After everyone had ordered, they took the menus and went back to the kitchen. “That food sounds so delicious. I can’t wait to eat!”
“Me too!”
A few minutes later, the waiter returned carrying all their food. “Here you are. Have a pleasant evening.” Everybody stopped their conversations and began eating their meals.
Once they were done and had had desert, Travis motioned to Ri. “So, you and Billy are like, uhh, go’n out right?”
Both Ri and Billy blushed. “Well, ya, I guess so…” Ri answered shyly. Billy just continued blushing. He didn’t have an easy time confessing his true feelings in front of people.
“It’s ok, I was just going to comment how cute you two look together. Ain’t that right guys?”
“Yea,” they all replied.
“Me, I still haven’t met that girl yet. But I hope I’ll get some cute girl on the Golden Islands. It’s an island resort, there should be plenty of girls.” Travis glowed with anticipation.
“He is really starting to remind me of someone,” Ri said quietly to herself.
“Travis, calm down man. That’s the reason you still don’t have a girlfriend. You gotta relax more.”
“Hey, I don’t see any of you hang’n out with a girl.”
“Hmm… We are still looking.” Travis facefaulted.
“Well, me and Jen are kinda going out,” Sam said.
“Hmm,” Jen mumbled after sticking a whole biscuit in her mouth.
“Eheh…” Sam laughed softly.
“How did you guys meet?” asked Rob, another one of the boys.
“Us?” Ri answered. “Hmm, I guess it was about two years ago…”
[Flashback]
“We were both eight years old. It was before I even had Aqua. I remember going to school together with Billy. My parents said they still rather I got a public education then home schooling. My dad was home a lot more then too. Me and Billy rode the same bus together.
‘Hey Billy,’ I said to him. But he didn’t ever say anything back…”
“Huh… Oh, well, I was shy…” Billy said.
“Yea, I guess you were…”
“We were in a lot of the same classes. In our school, they did not teach about pokémon. For some odd reason, the public schools were not allowed to teach that. The only way to learn about them was to attend classes at an official gym or learn from actual trainers.
One day, while we were on the bus to school, I sat down next to Billy. I guess I kinda had a crush on you early on… Again, he didn’t say anything. I peeked closer at him and finally he said something.
‘What? Why are you always bothering me? I just want to be by myself please…’ he said. I was heartbroken. I had believed up until then that Billy only ignored my cause he was shy, but now I knew why.”
“Ri, I’m sorry…”
“It’s ok Billy… I know you didn’t mean it.”
“As the days past, I hardly ate or slept. When they said love hurts, they meant it. I was so sad. My friends started worrying about me along with my teachers. Me and Billy never spoke again that year.”
“This is such a sad story Ri…” Travis said. She could almost spot a tear in his eye.
“Sorry Travis. It’ll get better.”
“So, a year passed. I had moved on. I didn’t go the school anymore now. My dad had to travel a lot for his work so my mom really needed someone to help out with the store. That was when I first learned about pokémon.”
“Cool. So your mom taught you about pokémon?” Travis asked.
“Yes. Every day we would tend the shop together and take care of the pokémon in it. Sometimes, we’d venture out along the coast to see if there were any lost or abandoned pokémon.”
“Abandoned?!? Why would anyone just abandon their pokémon? That’s just too cruel.”
“Yeah. But one day, while we were walking along the shore, I spotted a small blue thing floating on the water near the beach. My mom wasn’t there so I ran over to see what it was. When I got closer, I saw that it was a small Horsea that had been abandoned and was badly injured. ‘Oh no. What do I do, what do I do?’ I said. My mom had shown me some different healing techniques to use on injured pokémon. I approached the hurt Horsea. It didn’t look like it was moving at all. For a moment, I thought, I thought that it might be dead.”
“{sniff}Hey, Ri… {sob}, you said this would get happier, not sadder,” Travis said with a tear in his eye. Everyone else was really sad too.
“Ok, well… I picked up the Horsea and placed in softly on the sand. I felt it for a pulse. ‘Please don’t be dead little pokémon. Please…’ I could feel its heart beating very softly. ‘Of thank Goddish.’ I was so relieved. I quickly opened a first aid kit I had with me and began nursing it back to health.
I held it in my arms for a while. ‘Oh please wake up. Oh no, I must have done something wrong… whaaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaaaaa…’ I began crying. I remember falling to my knees still gently holding the Horsea in my hands looking at its still body. ‘No… please wake up… please little pokémon… please don’t die.’”
“I remember that day,” Billy said suddenly.
“You do? I don’t remember seeing you that day.”
“No. I remember hearing someone crying. I went towards the beach and saw you. ‘Oh, it’s just that silly girl how always picked on me last year. Humph, musta stubbed her toe or something.’ I didn’t think about going down to see you because I guess I didn’t want to know anyone then…
Later that evening, I couldn’t concentrate. I just kept thinking about you. At first, I guess I hadn’t noticed the pokémon in your hands. I still never even knew what pokémon were. While I was working on my homework, it all hit me. I realized why you were crying and suddenly felt really bad for not helping you.”
“Oh… Well… I remember not being able to wake the pokémon. ‘NOOOO!!!! WHY??? WHY WON’T YOU LIVE???’ I shouted.” Her tears flew from her eyes, many falling on the Horsea. “I guess that’s when I must have fallen asleep…” In the flashback, she continued crying until she simply exhausted herself.
“No…” she said before falling asleep. She just laid there in the sand, semi curled up, and with the pokémon in her hand. A few minutes after she had fallen asleep, the pokémon moved. The motion woke Ri. Her eyes searched up her hand til they met the slightly opened eyes of the Horsea. “You… you… you’re alive…” She couldn’t move. On her face however, she began to smile.
“I looked at the pokémon as it slowly woke up. I didn’t know what to do. I was so happy I just couldn’t even move. I think I started crying again because it was the last I could remember doing. The pokémon opened its eyes all the way and looked at me. I guess it was confused that I was lying on the ground holding it and crying.
Horsea looked at me and said its name. That’s how I found out what type of pokémon it was. ‘H… H… Horsea?’ I asked. It nodded. Then, it hopped out of my hands and moved closer. Now I was a little scared. It looked all cute and cuddly, but I didn’t know what it might do next. I closed my eyes tightly. The next thing I remembered was felling a very cold object against my cheek. When I opened my eyes, I saw the pokémon was resting up against me. I picked it up and got up.”
“Finally, the happy part,” Travis said wiping the tears from his eyes.
“‘So, you are a Horsea. Why were you floating in the water? Where is your trainer?’ The Horsea looked at me. I guess it understood what I was saying. It looked sad. Then, Horsea tried to tell me what had happened. I’m still not sure about the details, but I think I know what she said.
She and her trainer were on a boat. One day, pirates hunting Lapras decided to seize their vessel. The captain, Horsea’s trainer, fought hard but in the end, the pirates were too much. They sent her and Horsea away on a small rowboat with no food. The trainer didn’t know what would happen to her so she left Horsea behind in the water. I guess she had good intentions but I still don’t think it was right.”
“So the Horsea wasn’t really abandoned. Those pirates are really cruel. I’m glad that the police have finally started cracking down on them…”
“Shhh, let Ri continue her story.”
“Well, I’m not so sure about what else happened. I think Horsea got into a fight with another bigger pokémon and ended up escaping just barely. I started to cry again when Horsea finished. It shed a few tears as well. Hey wait a sec, then I remember seeing you Billy. You were standing at the entrance to the beach. But when I called out to you, you had disappeared.”
“I, I know. I finally gathered the strength to come down, but then I couldn’t do it. I don’t know why.”
“Oh. Well. I took Horsea home with me. My mom was so worried. ‘Oh my gosh, honey where have you been all day. I’ve been worried sick about you. Oh… What’s this you have? Ah, another stray pokémon.’ I remember her reaching for it and me backing away. ‘Huh, what’s wrong Ri?’
‘I don’t want to give up Horsea. I spent all day healing it and then listening to its tale mommy. I want to help it and raise it as my own.’
‘But sweetie, you have to be ten before you can have a pokémon. That’s the law.’
‘NO!’ I said and ran up to my room with the pokémon. My mom didn’t follow. She didn’t do anything else. I guess she understood how I could become attached to a pokémon I was healing. Later that night, she told me all about her experiences when she was little. She told me about the first pokémon she healed and the bond they formed. But I didn’t want to give Horsea up. The bond between us was too powerful to break. I guess my mom understood because she allowed me to keep Horsea and care for it as my own. I was so happy that night.
‘If you are going to take care of this pokémon as your own Ri, you should give it a name.’
‘A name? Hmm. Aqua. That’s a good name. It means water.’
‘That’s a fine name Ri. Now, please don’t stay up too much past your bedtime.’ I remember playing with Aqua for hours before I just had to sleep. The next day, me and Aqua helped my mom around the store and during the afternoon, we played on the beach. That’s when I saw Billy again.
We were building a sand castle together when I noticed Billy standing by the entrance again. I looked up at him but then went back to playing. He must have come down because the next thing I knew, he was standing close by me.
‘Uh, hi Ri.’
‘Hello Billy.’
‘Was that you on the beach yesterday crying?’
‘Yes…’
‘Why? Are you ok?’
‘I am now. I found this pokémon here lying on the beach. Its name is Aqua. When I found her, she wasn’t awake and I thought that she might be dead. That’s why I was crying…’
‘Oh… Listen, Ri… I’m… I’m sorry about being really mean to you last year. I… I didn’t know that you really cared so much about me… no one ever has…’
That’s where it all started. From that day on, me and Billy would meet after his classes were over on the beach and get to know each other. Billy was usually shy and I did most of the talking. But he seemed to like it anyways.”
“That is so romantic.”
“Wow. You guys sure must be close. I hope I meet a girl as cool as you Ri.”
“Well, I dunno the odds of that… I like to consider myself a one-of-a-kind type of person.”
“Hehehe… Well, maybe there’s someone close.”
“You’ll know it when she comes.”
“Woo, look at the time. Well, I’ll see ya guys,” Sam said. He and Jen left waving goodbye.
“We should all get going. Ri, that was a very touching story. Maybe we can all meet again tomorrow. I heard that they are holding a pokémon match and show in here during the day. Billy, I could help you get Nidoran trained to do some battles.”
“Well, maybe a few. But I don’t want Nidoran to get hurt a lot.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you out in training him. He’ll be able to defend himself from getting hurt badly.”
“Ok.”
“Well, cya tomorrow then.”
“Ok, bye Travis.” With that, Ri and Billy also departed the dining hall and returned to their room.
“You’ve never told anyone that story before Ri.”
“I know…”
“It was good. Just like the time you first told it to me.” Billy smiled. Ri blushed.
“Thanks Billy. You’re sweet…” She yawned. “Oh… I’m so tired… Let’s get some sleep so we can see that pokémon show tomorrow.”
“Yeah. Good night Ri.”
“Good night Billy.”
“Sweet dreams,” they said together. Then, they fell asleep…
Ri couldn’t sleep that night. When she first heard Aqua tell her the tale of it’s misfortune, she had always wondered how things could have been different. What if those pirates didn’t attack Aqua’s trainer. Ri never would have met Aqua, maybe never become a breeder, maybe, never have met Billy. She turned quickly throwing her covers onto the floor covering her sleeping pokémon.
Billy was sleeping in the bed next to her a woke up from the noise. “Ri, what’s wrong?”
“NO!!!” Ri woke up. She was breathing hard and sweat was falling from her forehead. “Oh… It was just a dream…” She looked for her pokémon who were fighting their way out of the covers. “Agh.” Ri lifted the covers off her two scared pokémon. “Sorry.”
“Ri, are you ok?”
“Yes… Sorry Billy… I guess telling that story, it, it brought back some sad memories.”
“It’s ok. You had nothing to do with Aqua’s trainer.”
“Huh. Wait a sec. I didn’t say anything about that.”
“Are you sure? I coulda sworn you did. Maybe you said it in your sleep.”
“Hmm, maybe.”
“Well, I have something special for you Ri.”
“Huh… What is it?”
“Get dressed and meet me in the main hallway in a few minutes.”
“Um, ok.” Billy left quick while Ri put on her morning clothes.
Meanwhile, Billy and Travis were sitting on a bench in the main hallway. “Ri is definitely gonna love this. I got it from the pokémon show just before the ship set sail.”
“I don’t remember seeing any show.”
“Oh, it ended a day before the ship left. You might not have been here then. I think they are having another on this boat!”
“Cool. What pokémon did you get?”
“It’s a very special one. It’s called Marril.”
“A Marril?”
“Yes. Here, look.”
Billy looked at the blue tailed, blue eared, blue belly mouse pokémon. “Oh. That’s very nice. How much do you want for it?”
“Hey, consider it a gift. You and Ri look so nice together, I’d really like to make her feel just as happy today as you. Hey, I have some other nice pokémon for that special girl when I meet her. Maybe tonight.”
“Hehehe… Thank you Travis. Don’t worry, I’m sure someone’s out there for you.” Travis grinned.
“Tell Ri I said hi. Cya later tonight at the convention.”
“Hey, no prob. We’ll definitely be there.”
Ri collected Aqua and Julie and left the room. “I wonder why Billy is in such a cheery mood today.” Ri didn’t stop to look at the date. Today was PokéValentines Day. It was a day when couples express their feelings to each other and usually the guy gives the girl a cute pokémon. Ri had totally forgotten about the day as she walked towards the main hallway.
“Ah Ri.”
“Good morning Billy. What was it you wanted to show mmmm…” She was interrupted by Billy giving her a soft kiss on the cheek. “Huh?!?”
“Happy PokéValentines Day Ri!!!”
“MARRIL!!!”
“Huh? Hey, you aren’t supposed to come out now.”
“Marril?”
“Oh… Ehheh… Ri, I hope you accept my gift to you. Travis found me this cute water pokémon. He said that it’s so nice to be around, it’ll cheer anyone up. And, well, you look like you need something to cheer you up.”
“Ohhhh, it’s very cute Billy. Thank you!” Ri kissed Billy now. He blushed. They weren’t the only couples in the hallway though. Many other trainers exchanged pokémon to their friends. Sam and Jen were up there too.
“Oh Sam, thank you.” Jen planted a big kiss on his forehead. Sam looked like he was about to faint.
“Hehehe… Guess everyone gets like that… Ri, what are you going to call Marril?”
“Hmm…” Marril wiggled its spherical tail a few times in anticipation. The it started to wiggle its ears. “Wiggler wouldn’t sound right.” Marril facefaulted, not even knowing her actions were influencing Ri’s decision. “Hmm… How about Bluu?”
“Marril! Marril Marril!”
“Ok, Bluu it is. You are very cute Bluu, yes you are. Thanks so much Billy. Water types really are my favorite. Not that you aren’t great too Julie.”
“Nido!”
“Haha…”
“Ri, walk with me. There’s something else I want to show you.”
“Um, ok.”
She followed Billy to an area where they were alone. “Ri, ever since you told me the story the first time, I wanted to find out what happened to Aqua’s trainer.”
“Did you?”
“Yes.”
“Did she die?”
“No, she’s alive. I doubt she remembers Aqua now… She lives on an island off the coast of Seafoam.”
“Did you find out what happened.”
“Yes. Her boat was taken over by pirates. She hid Aqua away so they wouldn’t find her. She escaped one night but didn’t have much. She said she only wanted Aqua to live if she didn’t make it. She thought she had seen some other Horseas, but I guess it was too dark to really be sure. Patrol boats found her adrift the next day.”
“Wow… So that’s what happened. Well, now I won’t ever have bad dreams about that anymore.”
“Good. Hey, tonight, they are having a pokémon convention in the dining hall before dinner. Travis is going. Let’s go too.”
“Ok!” Ri’s pokémon jumped into her arms and they went to breakfast. So far, the day was turning out to be a great PokéValentines Day. And as the SS Dove continues it’s voyage to the Golden Islands, Ri gets even more anxious for the breeder’s contest that awaits. Don’t miss the next exciting episode of, The Tale of a Pokémon Breeder.
In our last episode, Ri was reflecting on her Horsea, Aqua. Billy revealed some startling news about what happened to Aqua’s original trainer. Now, the two are heading to the main dining room for breakfast…
“Ri, what do you want to eat?” Billy asked softly. Ri on the other hand was playing with her new pokémon, Bluu.
“It’s so cute!” She pet its big blue ears. Bluu happily waved its blue spherical tail.
“Ri?”
“Huh. Oh yea. Let’s see… I’ll have…” Billy watched as the Chansey waiter tapped it foot. “Ah ha! I’ll have… no wait.” Both Billy and Chansey facefaulted. Bluu started laughing. “Ok ok, sorry, I’ll take the pancakes and eggs please.”
“Heh, I’ll take the same please.” Chansey wrote down their order and scampered into the kitchen. “You did that on purpose,” Billy said.
“Mm hmm,” Ri replied before going back to playing with Bluu.
“Oh well… At least you are happy now. I was worried you’d be depressed forever.”
“I’m sorry I worried you. Now I know what really happened and I can move on.”
Chansey returned with their food. They ate their breakfast and played games with the pokémon for the afternoon.
Later that day,
“Billy!” Travis was running down the hallway. “Hey Billy!”
“Travis?”
“Hey man, how’d she like it?”
“She hasn’t put it down…” Billy sighed.
Travis laughed for a sec. “Yah, it is kinda cute. But us men like power right, not cute stuff.”
“Well… Pichu here is cute. I dunno, I guess it’s because they were the very first two pokémon I’ve ever even seen.”
“Don’t worry Billy. If you’re really gonna be a trainer, you’ll soon see which pokémon make great pets, and which make great fighters.”
“So, ready for the convention tonight?”
“Oh course. I was just coming over to see when you and Ri were going to it.”
“Hm, lemme go check with her on when we can leave.” Billy went back into the room. Bluu greeted him at the door.
“Marril marril!”
“Ehheheh. Hi Bluu, is Ri in there?”
Bluu nodded.
“Ok. Thank you.” Billy walked through the door. The lights were turned off. “Ri? Are you there?”
“Ack, you need to get dressed!” Ri quickly whipped out some fancy clothes for Billy. When she turned on the light, Billy could hardly believe his eyes.
Ri stared at her good friend while he stood there motionless. “You… you… you’re beautiful…” Ri blushed. Bluu smiled and laid back against the door.
Travis was still waiting at the door. Bluu came out. “Hi there.”
“Marril marril mar mar marril.”
“Umm, ok. I’ll stay here til they come out. Thank you Marril.”
“Marril.” Bluu smiled and closed the door.
Billy got dressed. He and Ri looked like they were a royal couple going to a ball. And for young kids, they looked very grown up. Bluu entered the room and smiled. “Bluu! Come here Bluu.” Ri picked up her Marril. “You are very cute. Aqua, Julie, come here too.” All her pokémon gathered. “Ok, everyone has to be in their pokéballs til after dinner. I’ll let you play afterwards ok.” Her pokémon smiled and returned to their pokéballs.
“Nidoran and Pichu return.” Billy’s pokémon went inside their pokéballs as well. “Shall we go?” he asked extending his hand like a gentleman.
Ri giggled and placed her hand in his. “Lead on my prince.” Billy blushed. They opened the door to find Travis still waiting there. He was mildly dressed up, not as formal, but still presentable. “Good evening Travis.”
Travis bowed to Ri. “And to you miss. That’s a very pretty dress you have Ri. And Billy, nice suit. You both look fabulous. Where’s my camera when I need it?” They all laughed. “Should we head down to the convention now?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
When they got to the convention room, Sam and Jen were there waiting for them. “Man, what took you all so long?” Sam was dressed in a nice gray suit and Jen had on a red dress. Ri was wearing the pink dress she had tried on the other night.
“That’s a very pretty dress Ri,” Jen complemented.
“I was just about to say to same to you Jen,” Ri replied smiling.
“Yes yes, you both look beautiful now let’s go inside and see if there’s a third beautiful girl waiting there for me,” Travis said leading everyone inside.
As they entered, all they could see were lines and lines of pokémon stuff. It looked very similar to the SS Anne but a little more upscale and fancy. There were vendors dealing in very rare pokémon, some were selling dolls, others had the latest pokémon accessories. The five kids hurried in to see everything.
As they walked past some of the vendors, they found the center stage. Trainers were having pokémon battles.
“Up for another round tonight Billy?” Travis asked.
“I guess. But I really don’t think I’ll win.”
“Sure you will. Ya gotta believe in your pokémon Billy. That’s another key to victory. That’s a way of caring for them, but showing that you believe they can win.”
“Really. Ok. Guess we’ll find out later tonight.”
They continued walking. Ri’s eyes lit up as they came to a breeder’s stand. “Ohh, look!” She dragged the unsuspecting Billy over to the dealer.
“Can I help you with something sweetie?” the woman behind the counter asked.
“Yes yes. My name’s Ri and I’m becoming a pokémon breeder.”
“Really? That’s wonderful. Breeding is a great and rewarding profession, you should be very proud of yourself. Not many kids understand the joy of raising pokémon, must just want to battle. I’m sure you heard about the breeder competition on the Golden Islands.”
“Yes yes! I know!” Ri just smiled big when she talked. “What can you suggest for a breeder in her first formal year of training?”
“Well, all breeders should know how to prepare food for their pokémon. You already seem to be capable of loving them by your cheerful attitude, so maybe a cooking set would be good. I wrote my own cookbook too. I’ll throw it in for free.”
“Oh thank you thank you.” Ri reached for her purse but discovered she had left it in the room. “Oh no, I forgot my purse.”
“It’s ok Ri, here.” Billy took out some pokébucks from his wallet. “Will this be enough?”
“Aw Billy, you don’t have to.”
“Yes I do. You are special to me so I it’s the gentleman thing to do.” He and Ri both blushed.
“You know, at the rate they keep doing that, I’d say their cheeks will stay red forever real soon,” Travis joked to Jen and Sam. They laughed with him.
“Thank you. I’ll have the porter deliver this to your suite tonight so you don’t have to carry it around. Good luck becoming a breeder. By the way, here’s my card in case you ever need someone for advice.” She handed Ri a small business card.
“Mary’s Breeding Place. Rated #1 in the area by Breeder’s Weekly.”
“Well, I’m not really that good…”
“Thank you Mary.”
“Good evening Ri. Have fun tonight kids.”
“Hey, let’s go see that over there.” Travis, Sam, and Jen ran over to another dealer. Ri and Billy headed on to see some other places. In the next room, they had a pokémon band on stage and a dance floor. They were playing soft love music for PokeValentine’s Day.
“May I have this dance with you?” Billy asked Ri holding her hand. He released his Nidoran too.
Ri released her Nidoran as well and let Billy lead her and the pokémon onto the dance floor. They began to dance to the music. Their Nidorans again attempted to imitate their trainers by leaning on each other and swaying back and forth. As they watched the two pokémon attempt to dance, Ri and Billy laughed to themselves.
“You know something Ri,” Billy began.
“What is it Billy?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy my entire life. Not until I met you, I mean really met you.”
Ri blushed. “Really? Well, that’s funny, because…” She paused for a sec.
“Because what Ri,” Billy asked.
“Well, because I’ve always dreamed of the day you’d finally share your feelings with me. You always avoided me at school and on the beach. But now, you finally showed me you really do like me.”
“I didn’t mean to ignore you all those times before… I just wasn’t ready.”
“It’s ok,” Ri said placing her head into Billy. They continued dancing, as did their Nidorans.
“Where’d those two love birds go?”
“Hey look over there.” Sam pointed to the two dancing Nidorans. “Aren’t those Ri and Billy’s Nidorans. Look at em, they’re trying to dance with them.” The three went over to Ri and Billy.
“Hey Ri, we lost you for a sec back there,” Jen said.
“Oh, sorry, we just wanted to dance to this great music.”
“Those are some very talented pokémon over there.”
Sam came up to Jen. “So uh…”
“You are so shy… Let’s go.” Jen grabbed Sam’s arms and they joined in the dance. Sam was happy she knew what he wanted to say.
Travis was the only one left without a date. “Ah, you lovers enjoy yourselves while I check out the available ladies.” He turned around to scope out the rest of the crowd when he ran right into another young girl. “Whoa, I’m sorry,” he said catching her before she fell.
The little girl, around the same age as Travis, looked back up at him with glimmering eyes. “I’m sorry. I should watch where I’m going.” She brushed herself off and began to walk away.
“Hey wait.”
“Hmm,” the girl said stopping.
“Umm… You have really nice hair and a very pretty voice,” Travis said shyly. It was his turn to blush.
“Oh, thank you,” the little girl replied.
“My name’s Travis.”
“Pleased to meet you Travis, I’m Heather. Are you into pokémon too?”
“Am I!”
“What’s your favorite pokémon Travis?” The two kids walked over to the tables and sat down to talk about pokémon while the others danced.
Finally, the music stopped and the director of the show thanked everyone for coming. He invited them all to a grand dinner. The two Nidorans were so tired from dancing that they collapsed on each other. Ri and Billy gave each other a kiss before collecting their Nidorans and joining Travis and his new friend Heather.
“Guys, this is Heather. She’s a pokémon trainer from Cinnabar Island. She has a really cute Vulpix.”
“Hi Heather, I’m Ri and this is my friend Billy.” They greeted each other. Sam and Jen joined them and were introduced as well. Everyone ate dinner and they all said their good byes.
“Good night Heather. Perhaps I’ll see you again sometime?”
“Sure Travis. You’re a great friend.” She wrote down her number. “Here, so you can call me.” She gave Travis a hug and ran off.
“She hugged me, and gave me her number! YAHOO!!!” Travis was beginning to act a little crazy so the others left him to celebrate.
Ri and Billy walked alone back to their room. “Aww, I forgot to battle Travis.”
“It’s ok, there’s always tomorrow. Oh, I forgot to let my pokémon play… Guess we got carried away with that music.”
“I don’t regret it.”
“Neither do I.” They kissed and retired for the night.
And so, as the SS Dove gets closer to the Golden Islands, our lovely couple enjoys sweet dreams. What fun adventures will they have next time? Found out on the next Ri & Billy.
In our last episode, Ri and Billy attended a pokémon convention aboard the SS Dove. She met another breeder named Mary who gave Ri some cooking supplies so she could learn how to prepare special foods for her pokémon. After Ri and Billy shared a dance along with their Nidorans. Now, they are less than a day from arriving at the Golden Islands…
“Attention passengers, we will be arriving at the Golden Port by late afternoon. Please be sure to have your belongings packed up for the porters to take ashore once we land.”
“Ri, did you hear that?” Billy said excitedly.
“Yeah, I can’t wait!” Ri said with a smile. She began to pack her bags so they’d be ready when the ship landed. Billy began to do the same. Meanwhile, their pokémon played nicely in the other room.
Travis came by later that morning. “Hey you two, you hear we’ll be landing soon.”
“Yeah, we heard the announcement this morning,” Billy said.
“Hey, I’d love to stay and chat, but I gotta see Heather before we land. It was great meeting you two. Ri, good luck in that breeder thing, and Billy, good luck becoming a pokémon trainer. I know you’ll make it.”
“Thanks Travis. Cya.” Travis ran off. Ri and Billy finished their packing and went to have lunch together.
“So Ri, are you excited?”
“Of course. I can’t wait to find out some more about the breeder competition.”
“Attention. Attention all passengers. Please have your bags ready for the porters. We are arriving at the Golden Port. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise and will tell all your friends. Have a wonderful time on the Golden Islands.” With that, ship began to dock.
“Oh. We better return the room.” Ri and Billy went back and gave their stuff to a porter who got it ashore.
“WOW!!! It’s awesome!” Billy looked all over. The port itself was fantastic. Completely clean, not like most seaports. “Ri, we are in paradise!”
“Yeah, this place is totally awesome!” Ri jumped in front of Billy. “C’mon, don’t be a Slowpoke, let’s fly like an Articuno and check everything out!”
“What’s a Slowpoke? What’s an Articuno???” Billy pondered for a sec then ran to catch up to Ri.
“Oh cool!!!” Ri stopped and stared at the shopping mall in front of her.
“Figures… Typical girl hang out, hwaah…” Ri grabbed Billy by the wrist and ran inside. “Oww oww, Ri!”
“Opps. OH LOOK!!!” Ri ran over to a counter where there were tiny pokémon crystal figures. “Billy, aren’t they cute?”
“Yes Ri, very cute.” Something else had caught Billy’s attention. A poster on the wall near them announcing the start of the Gold and Silver League. This Pokémon League was only held on the two islands and had only four gyms, two per island. The final championship was help at a new location each year.
“What are you looking at? Hey! Hello?”
“Ri, I gotta enter this league. This could be my chance. I’ll show my mom and dad that I found my true calling in life and compete in the Gold and Silver League.”
“Right. I think you and your pokémon need a bit more training before you can do that.”
Billy sweatdropped. “I think you’re right.”
“Hey look. There’s something about that Breeder’s Competition.” Ri read the poster carefully. The Golden Island Breeder’s Competition was held annually to see who the top breeders were. Breeders from all around the world attend this competition and the winner is awarded a huge cash prize, not to mention a cool looking trophy. The contest tested their skills in food preparation, basic pokémon care, attention, raising, and some other common fields that Ri had already been studying.
“Think you can enter that Ri?”
“Breeders from… all over the world?”
“Ri?”
Her eyes began to water.
“Ri, hey, you can still enter it.”
“I can’t compete in that. This is the big league of breeders. I’m just a kid.”
“When does it start? Let’s see. Hey, you still got two whole months before it actually begins.”
She let a tear fall. “It doesn’t matter. I can’t do it.” With that she ran out of the mall. Billy shrugged and chased her out.
“Ri c’mon. You never act like this. What’s really wrong?”
“Billy… I’m not that good.”
“Oh course you are Ri. Look at Aqua, and that Marril I gave you. And don’t forget Julie. They all look totally spectacular. I bet if you showed them to any person, they would know you were a professional trainer.”
“Billy, we are still just ten years old. I’m too young to be anything professional.”
“Aw c’mon Ri. Don’t beat yourself up. I believe in you. Didn’t you have to believe in me to want ta… well… you know…”
“I… I know Billy.” She became very quiet all of the sudden. “It’s just… Well… I don’t want to look like a little kid in front of all those pros.”
“So what. What if you outdo them? What will people think of that?”
“Billy, I don’t want to make a mistake. I will… I know I will. I’m not ready for it.”
“Hey, I’m nowhere near as ready for the Pokémon League, but you don’t see that getting to me do you?”
“That’s different.”
“Not really. We have to take defeats in life. I think one of my teachers said that after giving me an ‘F’ on my project.”
“You got an ‘F’?”
Billy shuffles his feet. “Yes… Don’t tell anyone.”
“Wow, and here I thought you were some brainiac.”
“Ri, the point is, even if you don’t win, how will it feel to know you could have won?”
“What do you mean?”
“If you don’t compete in that thing, you’ll regret it your entire life. I know if I didn’t go up to you on that summer day, I’d regret having not done so, especially after seeing where it’s taken me. Look at us now. Because I finally brought the nerve to talk to you, we became great friends.”
“I think I see what you mean.”
“So will you join it?”
“Yes. Yes and I’ll study and train hard just like you will for that pokémon league.”
“Oh yeah.”
“HELP HELP!!! Someone please. There’s a hurt pokémon on the beach. Please, someone calla doctor.”
“Ri, go. This is your chance.”
“Nooo, I can’t. This is for real Billy.”
“Exactly, you can save that pokémon. I know you can because you saved Aqua.”
“Aqua. Ok.” Ri shouted to the man. “Sir, where is this hurt pokémon?”
“It’s a Seel and if got severely injured and is now washed up on the beach. Are you a trained doctor, you look kind young?”
“I know pokémon well sir. Please, take me to the Seel.”
“Ok little girl, but I hope you can save him. There aren’t many doctors on these islands and emergencies occur so often. Nurse Joy has her hands full or I’d call her. Too many tourists.”
The man led Ri and Billy to the injured Seel. Its left flipper was cut deep and it had some scratch marks on other parts of its body as well.
“It was attacked by humans first, then, some other mean pokémon. Probably owned by a human too.”
“How do you know this?”
“I’m a breeder in training. This is simple stuff all breeders should know.” Ri smiled with satisfaction. The man watched as she tended to the Seel. Soon, more people started to gather around Ri and Seel.
Seel’s eyes were shut. Ri felt for a heartbeat. It was faint. She started to give Seel CPR to get it to wake out. “C’mon Seel,” she thought. Flashbacks of that day on the beach with Aqua went through her head.
“NOOOO!!!! WHY??? WHY WON’T YOU LIVE???” the memory played back.
She held the Seel very tight. The people were watching her every move. She had to revive the pokémon. She began tending to the wounds instead hoping if she at least repaired that damage, Seel’s body could concentrate of waking itself. She took out a few potion sprays and started regenerating the skin over the big cut. “They must have been hunters,” she thought. She mended the skin of the cut and felt Seel’s pulse again. It was a tad stronger now.
“Is it going to be alright?” “Is she even a doctor?” “Look at that, she’s just some kid.” “Why is she operating on that poor pokémon?” “Someone should take that kid away from it.” All murmurs from the crowd that Ri simply blocked out. The only thing that mattered right now to Ri was the health of this Seel.
“Please Seel, please live. Please open you eyes. Please breathe.” Ri was starting to feel faint. The crowd was watching still, waiting for what they thought was inevitable. Ri pushed on more time on Seel then collapsed. Billy was there to support her. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“You did the best you could Ri.”
“Oh Billy…” She threw herself on his shoulders and started crying.
“Hey kid, look.” “Oh my goodness, it’s alive.!” “Hey look. That little girl did it.”
Ri whipped her eyes and turned to see Seel slowly move. It’s two medium sized eyes slowly opened. “SEEL!!!”
The pokémon recognized the voice that was present when if was being healed.
Just then, a doctor rushed through the crowd. “Stand aside, I’m a doctor. Where is the injured pokémon?”
“It’s right over there with the little girl who saved it’s life.”
“Me?” Ri asked.
“Yes young one. If it hadn’t been for you, I don’t think Seel here would have lived till the doctor arrived.”
“You mean this little girl saved this pokémon’s life?”
“That’s correct. Little girl, what is your name?”
“I… I… I’m Ri.”
“Well Ri, you have proven yourself to be a great person who cares for all living creatures. And for saving this Seel’s life, a mayor of the Golden Island, I’d like to offer you a reward. Please come to my mansion tonight with your friend there to accept my thanks.”
Ri blushed. “Thank you,” she said. Seel looked at her and happily barked. “Mr doctor, can you please watch over Seel’s recovery for me.”
“It would be an honor Miss Ri. Say, you were going to sign up for that Breeder’s Competition weren’t you. You know, even though you are still very young, they do hold different levels. There’s one just for starters like yourself.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Hey, come with me and I can sign you up at the Hospital.”
“Thank you very much Mr…”
“Call me Fred.”
“Thank you Fred.”
And so, as Ri, Billy, and Fred take the revived Seel back to the Pokémon Hospital, Ri has gained a whole new sense of courage to do her best in the Breeder’s Competition. Find out what happens next time on The Tale of a Pokémon Breeder.