1
HOENN HOME

Carmen Gettim, with Squirt on her shoulder, walked into her home followed by her brother Danny. They had just returned from the Ever Grande Championships to Littleroot for a while until they decided where they would go next. “Mom. Dad. Are you here?” Carmen called putting her travel-worn backpack onto the couch. No one answered.

“They must be out back.” Danny stated.

The two of them walked through the house to the wide fields behind it. A woman was walking toward them with a basket of berries in her arms. Carmen ran up to her and grabbed the basket.

“Hi Mom.” Carmen said cheerfully.

Mrs. Gettim smiled letting Carmen carry the basket for her. They went back to the house and sat down in the living room.

Mrs. Gettim picked Squirt off Carmen's shoulder and looked at her. “Squirt’s looking really healthy, Carmen. What have to been feeding her?”

“The food that Eli made for her.” Carmen stated.

“Where is Eli?” Danny asked. “I haven’t seen her since yesterday.”

“She and Theo went somewhere together and I haven’t seen them since.” Carmen said.

There was a knock at the door. Mrs. Gettim went to see who it was, Carmen and Danny followed. Mrs. Gettim opened the door to see two reporters standing in the doorway. Danny and Carmen instantly knew who they were, their oldest brother Blain and his partner in crime Kristy, both of them were in costume.

“Hello there Miss, is Carmen Gettim home?” Kristy asked.

“Yes she is. Why do you ask?” Mrs. Gettim said.

“We’re doing a report on the rookie trainers who entered the Ever Grande Championships and it just so happens that your little Carmen was next on our list.” Blaine answered. “We were wondering if she’d like to show us the Pokémon she had used in the competition.”

“Sure I’d be happy to show you my Pokémon.” Carmen said playing along to give them the idea that she didn’t know who they were. “Just come around back.” Carmen walked to the backfields and called out all her Pokémon. “Let me introduce you to my Pokémon.” She said. “This is Squirt my Mudkip, Eevee, Flamer my Quilava, Sparklez my Pichu, Sundance my Tropius, and Scytha my Scyther.”

“This is wonderful. Just look at these adorable Pokémon.” Kristy stated pretending to get a close up of them. Suddenly a huge net exploded out of the camera lens, trapping all of Carmen's Pokémon underneath it. Blaine and Kristy were then lifted into the air by a helicopter.

Mrs. Gettim looked surprised then suddenly angry. “Get back here with my little girl’s Pokémon!” she demanded.

Blaine and Kristy laughed as they removed their disguises, revealing their Team Rocket uniforms.

“Prepare for trouble.” Blaine said.

“Make that double.” Kristy stated.

“To protect the world from devastation.”

“To reach out to every nation.”

“To denounce the evils of truth and love.”

“To extend our reach to the stars above.”

“Kristy.”

“Blaine.”

“Team Rocket takes off at the speed of light.”

“Surrender now or prepare to fight.”

Carmen put her index finger and thumb into her mouth, sounding off a high-pitched whistle. A huge silver bird Pokémon came soaring toward Carmen, it landed at Carmen's side.

“Hi Skary, it’s great to see you again.” Carmen stated hopping onto the Skarmory’s back. “Alright. Take to the sky Skary!”

“Skarmory!” Skary exclaimed as she took off.

Carmen held on tight as they approached the net that hung from the bottom of the black helicopter. Kristy glared at Carmen and sent out her Fearow, a large, brown feathered, bird Pokémon with massive wings. Fearow flew between the two of them and the net containing Carmen's Pokémon.

“Skary use Swift!” Carmen instructed.

“‘Mory!” Skary shouted shooting stars from her mouth at Fearow.

Fearow easily dodged the attack, since Skary was still young and out of practice.

“Agility!” Carmen called. Skary suddenly started to move quickly around Fearow, confusing him and getting him dizzy. “Now, Skary, Steel Wing on the net!”

Skary stiffened her wings and flew toward the net with great speed. Her wings then cut through the thick cord of the net setting Carmen's Pokémon free. Sundance and Scytha quickly caught the smaller Pokémon and they all landed safely on the ground.

“Mudkip!” Squirt cried franticly.

Carmen looked back over her shoulder to see her friend tangled in the net’s leftover cord. “Don’t worry Squirt! I’m coming!” she shouted as Skary turned around. Carmen leaped off Skary’s back and flew through the air toward her Water Pokémon. She quickly grabbed the remaining cord and wrapped one of her legs in it to prevent her from falling. She reached toward Squirt and started to untangle her from the cord. When she finished she quickly snatched Squirt in her right arm, holding tightly onto her. “Squirt, are you alright?”

“Mudkip mud!” Squirt said cheerfully.

“Good. Now don’t let go.” Carmen instructed. Unwrapping her leg from the cord and letting go of it sending them falling through the air.

Sundance quickly took off and caught the two of them on his back. Skary followed them to the ground below where Carmen leaped off Sundance with Squirt in her arms.

Mrs. Gettim ran up to Carmen embracing her daughter in her arms. “Don’t you ever do that again, Carmen.” she said. “You had me worried sick!”

“But I do this all the time, Mom.” Carmen stated.

Suddenly two black figures appeared in the sky. Danny took a closer look at them with his binoculars. “It’s Eli and Theo! They’re going after the helicopter!” he exclaimed.

“They must be riding on Salamence and Gyarados.” Carmen said. She ran over to Skary and hopped onto her back with Squirt perched on her shoulder.
“Let’s go help them, Skary!”

Skary nodded taking off from the ground. Carmen and Skary soared through the air as they caught up with Theo and Eli on their Pokémon.

“Hi there, Carmen!” Theo called from the back of his Gyarados.

“Care to give us a hand?” Eli asked.

Carmen smiled with flames of determination in her eyes. “Let’s bring ‘em down to Earth.”

“Mudkip!” Squirt exclaimed in agreement.

Carmen slowly got to her feet, balancing her weight on her Skarmory’s back. She held out her right arm. Squirt ran down Carmen's arm toward the helicopter. “Ready?” Carmen asked glancing at the others.

“Ready, set… Ice Beam!” the three of them shouted in union.

Each of their Pokémon shot their attacks at the black helicopter, blowing it up, and sending Blaine and Kristy flying into the horizon.

Carmen, Danny, Theo, and Eli sat at the kitchen table looking eagerly at the feast in front of them. Mrs. and Mr. Gettim brought in the last plates of food from the kitchen.

“All right you four it’s time to dig in.” Mr. Gettim said as they took their seats.

The four of them started shoveling the food onto their plates. Carmen missed her parents’ cooking after being away for nearly a year. Eli’s cooking was good too, but it wasn’t the same.

“So. Carmen have you decided where you’re going next?” Theo asked.

Carmen swallowed the food in her mouth. “I’m not sure.” She replied.

“How about Kanto?” Eli suggested. “The trainers there are pretty tough, plus there are some rare Pokémon around Kanto. I should know. I’m from there.”

“That’s not a bad idea.” Mrs. Gettim said. “Anyway Carmen you’ll be able to meet Professor Oak.”

Carmen pondered for a few moments. “Sounds like a great idea.”

“Then we’ll leave first thing tomorrow on the ship.” Eli said. “And I already bought the tickets.”

“Good-bye you four. Promise to take care of each other!” Mr. Gettim shouted waving good-bye.

“Be careful and keep an eye out for Team Rocket!” Mrs. Gettim stated.

“Will do!” Theo called back.

The boat pulled away from the dock and headed for Kanto’s Vermillion City port. Carmen leaned on the metal rail looking out at the open sea.

“So how far do you think our dream will take us Squirt?” Carmen asked her Pokémon partner.

“Mud-kip mud!” Squirt exclaimed.

“Yeah to the ends of the earth.” Carmen stated.

“Carmen? Carmen is that you?” a voice called.

Carmen turned around to see Daisy running toward her. “Oh. Hi Daisy.”

“I almost didn’t recognize you, Carmen, but Squirt gave you away.” Daisy said cheerfully. “I still can’t believe Squirt beat my Grovyle during the preliminary round of the Pokémon League.”

“What can I say, I was a born Champion.” Carmen said. “But my Pokémon and I worked hard to get to the final sixteen, but we just need to work even harder to become Champions.”

“You’re too modest Carmen. You made it pretty far for a rookie trainer.” Daisy stated. “To be honest I was getting a bit full of myself before our match. You see I was so sure that my Grovyle would defeat Squirt because of the type and size advantage…”

Suddenly Eli jumped on to Daisy giving her a nooggie. “Hey why don’t you challenge Carmen to a rematch already. I’m getting bored of just watching you two talk!”

Daisy looked embarrassed. “How’d she know?” Daisy asked Carmen.

“Eli may be a breeder, but she knows when some one wants to battle.” Carmen stated with a shrug. “But Squirt and I are in the mood for a battle if you want.”

“No, that’s alright. I just wanted to warn you that I’m entering the Kanto Region Pokémon League.” Daisy said. “And that I’m not going to be a pushover the next time we battle.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Carmen stated.

2
TOTO-LY IN LOVE

Carmen, Eli, Danny, and Theo walked off of the ship and onto the dock.
Eli flung out her arms and took in a deep breath. “It’s so good to be back in Kanto!” she exclaimed.

“So this is Vermillion City?” Carmen asked looking around.

Eli looked over her shoulder at Carmen. “Yep, and we’re just a ferry ride away from Pallet Town.”

Meanwhile Blaine was giving a call to his boss Giovanni not that far way.

“Yes, Boss. I’ve followed them here.” Blaine stated.

“Good. I’m looking forward to your sister’s and my match in the near future, Blaine.”

Blaine nodded. “Yes, sir.” He hung up his cell phone.

“What’d he say?” Kristy asked.

“The boss is looking forward to their battle.” Blaine stated.

Carmen and her friends boarded the ferry that was going to Pallet Town. Eli seemed very hyped up.

“I can’t wait to see Professor Oak again.” Eli stated. “Its been so long since I last saw him.”

“Did you even call to tell him that we were coming?” Danny asked.

“Nope.” Eli stated with a grin. “I like to surprise people. Anyway my dad doesn’t even know I’m coming home.”

“Why doesn’t your dad know?” Theo questioned.

“My dad’s usually working.” Eli answered, then an idea popped into her head.
“How about we let out our Pokémon, since it’s going to be awhile until we arrive in Pallet Town.”

Everyone agreed to the idea and let out their Pokémon.

“Jolteon! Sceptile! Gyarados! Rapidash! Beautifly! Noctowl! Come on out!” Theo shouted tossing out six Poké Balls.

“Butterfree! Shroomish! Lairon! Skitty! Salamence! Minun! It’s play time!” Eli exclaimed.

“Espeon! Venomoth! Chimecho! Kirlia! Baltoy! Take the stage!” Danny called.

“Come on out everybody!” Carmen stated.

All their Pokémon popped out onto the wooden deck of the ferry.

“Alright everyone it’s going to be awhile until we’re in Pallet Town,” Carmen explained, “so enjoy yourselves until we get there.”

All the Pokémon ran off to enjoy them selves.

A few hours later they had arrived in Pallet Town. Everyone returned their Pokémon to their Poké Balls. Carmen walked down the ramp and onto the dock, the others followed.

“Hey Carmen you see that giant pinwheel over there?” Eli asked pointing to the north.

Carmen looked over to where Eli was pointing. “Yeah I see it.”

“Well, that’s Prof. Oak’s lab.” Eli stated. “And that’s where we’re heading now.”

Eli led the way through Pallet Town’s streets to the lab. Many citizens greeted Eli as they passed by. They finally reached the lab building. Eli rang the doorbell. A boy with black hair in a red headband answered the door.
“Hi, Tracey. Is the Professor home?” Eli asked. “I have some people I’d like him to meet.”

“No problem, come on in.” Tracey said letting them in.

Tracey led them to Prof. Oak’s office where the professor was sitting at the computer desk.

“Hello, Prof. Oak. Long time, no see.” Eli said.

The professor turned around in the computer chair and looked at the four of them. “Well what do we have here? An old friend and three strangers.”

“Hello Prof. Oak, I’m Carmen Gettim and this is my partner Squirt.” Carmen said.

“I’m Danny, Carmen's older brother.” Danny stated.

“And I’m Theo Gettim, both Danny and Carmen's older brother.” Theo said.

“Mudkip!” Squirt exclaimed leaping into the professor’s arms from Carmen's shoulder.

“Why hello there Squirt, it’s nice to meet you.” Prof. Oak said holding her up.

“Be careful Professor.” Danny warned. “Squirt has a habit of-”

Just then Squirt sprayed the Professor’s face with her Water Gun.

“-squirting people with her Water Gun.” Danny finished.

Prof. Oak laughed handing Squirt back to Carmen. “You have a very healthy Pokémon there Carmen.”

Carmen took Squirt into her arms. “Thanks Professor. We’ve been together since I started my journey.”

“Oh, you’re that Carmen Gettim.” Tracey stated. “The one Prof. Birch called us about. I was expecting some one with a higher level starter’s Pokémon for some one with your skills.”

Irritated, Squirt fired an Ice Beam at Tracey freezing him into a statue of ice.

“Squirt is a high level, but she doesn’t want to evolve.” Carmen stated. “Don’t let her small size throw you off.”

“That’s very true Carmen.” Prof. Oak said.

“Not to get off subject here, Professor, but I’d like to show them my Pokémon out back.” Eli stated.

The Professor nodded in agreement, leading them out back to where the Pokémon of many trainers were enjoying themselves.

Eli took out a small plastic whistle and blew into it. The sound traveled throughout the ranch. Suddenly Pokémon were running toward them happy to see Eli. Eli knelt down and spread out her arms, an Ivysaur leaped up onto her knocking Eli over onto her back.

“Ivysaur has missed you, Eli.” Prof. Oak stated.

“I can tell.” Eli laughed, pushing the over-joyed grass Pokémon off of her. She looked at the rest of her Pokémon. “Don’t worry everyone, I didn’t forget about you. In fact I brought some new friends I’d like you all to meet.” Eli gestured to Carmen and her brothers. “Carmen, Danny, Theo these are my Pokémon: Graveler, Ninetails, Onix, Golbat, Hitmontop, Dratini, Beedrill, Chansey, Dodrio, Fearow, Sandshrew, Totodile, Golduck, Alakazam, Ditto, and my starter’s Pokémon: Ivysaur. Everyone I’d like you to meet your new friends from Hoenn.” Eli tossed out her Poké Balls.

“Why don’t you let out your Pokémon also?” Prof. Oak suggested.

Carmen and her brothers agreed and let out their Pokémon. Squirt hopped out of Carmen's arms and onto the ground. Suddenly Eli’s Totodile ran over to Squirt holding a water lily in his claws.

“Mudkip?” Squirt said, confused but flattered.

“Toto-dile.” Totodile said, blushing as he offered Squirt the flower.

Then Golduck knocked into Totodile, causing Totodile to drop his water lily, out of his way offering Squirt a rose. “Golduck.” He said bowing to Squirt.

“Looks like both Totodile and Golduck have a thing for Squirt.” Tracey stated.

“Huh?” Carmen said. She looked at Squirt. Squirt was getting annoyed with
Golduck, who was trying to charm her.

Ignoring Golduck, Squirt picked up Totodile’s water lily in her mouth and she approached the crushed water Pokémon. Squirt placed the lily in front of Totodile. “Mudkip mud.” Squirt said with a smile.

Totodile looked at the lily, picked it up, and put it beside the fin on top of Squirt’s head using the stem to hold it in place. “Toto-dile.” He said as he danced around Squirt.

Squirt blushed. Now Golduck, who had just noticed that Squirt wasn’t watching him, was furious at the fact that Squirt was wearing Totodile’s lily instead of his rose. Golduck used his Confusion on the lily, taking it off Squirt’s head. Totodile and Squirt watched in horror as Golduck ripped it to shreds with his psychic attack. Squirt broke out in tears and ran off.
The rest of Carmen's Pokémon, who had been watching the whole thing, were disgusted with Golduck’s actions that had made their friend cry. The five of them surrounded Golduck, glaring at him with angry eyes.

Meanwhile, Squirt was sitting at the banks of a pond somewhere else in the habitat, crying. Overhead a group of Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff were coming down to take a rest and were upset at the stranger by their pond. They all started attacking Squirt by tackling and using their Razor Leaf on her. Being attacked for, to Squirt, an unknown reason hurt her feelings. Suddenly two Bulbasaur leaped from the nearby brush, the larger one told the Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff to leave Squirt alone as the smaller one watched. After the Pokémon went away the larger Bulbasaur patted Squirt on the back with one of his vines and asked her why she was so upset. Squirt explained what Eli’s Golduck did to the water lily Totodile had given her.
A few minutes later Carmen and Totodile came by the pond and saw Squirt and the Bulbasaur.

“Squirt!” Carmen exclaimed, as she ran up to her friend giving Squirt a tight hug. Carmen knelt down and put Squirt on her lap. She looked at the two Bulbasaur. “Thanks for finding Squirt you two.”

“Toto-dile.” Totodile said in gratitude.

“Hey, you’re Ash Ketchem’s Bulbasaur.” Carmen said to the larger grass Pokémon.

“Bulba-saur.” He said with a nod.

“It’s nice to meet you Bulbasaur. I’m Carmen Gettim of Littleroot Town and this is my partner Squirt.” Carmen stated.

Suddenly the rest of Carmen's Pokémon came running toward them, followed by everyone else.

“Looks like you’ve met both May’s and Ash’s Bulbasaur.” Tracey said, panting.

Carmen got to her feet with Squirt in her arms. “Yep. And they found Squirt too.”

Back at the lab Tracey and Prof. Oak were examining a Bulbasaur and a Charmander. Squirt hopped out of Carmen's arms and onto the table beside Charmander.

“Mudkip!” Squirt said to Charmander.

“Char-char-mander.” Charmander said.

“Looks like Squirt and Charmander get along.” Theo stated.

Eli nodded as she looked at the clock on the wall. “I should start heading home for the night. You three could come with if you don’t want to stay here for the night.”

“Sounds good to me.” Danny said with a yawn.

“Me too.” Theo agreed. “What about you, Carmen?”

“I think I’ll camp out back with the Pokémon.” She answered. “I’m leaving some of my Pokémon behind tomorrow and I want to be sure they adjust to their new surroundings. Anyway it’ll be like camping out in the backyard back in Littleroot.

3
ABDUCTED

Carmen finished tying the ends of her hammock, climbed onto it and lied down. Squirt hopped up next to Carmen and looked up at the stars.

“I can’t wait to get going tomorrow.” Carmen stated putting her hands behind her head. “It’s a whole new adventure with new places, people, and Pokémon.”

“Mudkip.” Squirt said excitedly.

“I’m going to miss Flamer and Scytha, but I’m going to need room on our team for our new friends.” Carmen said.

Squirt yawned and looked at Carmen.

“Eli said that the closest gym is in Viridian City, but the leader is a bit to much for someone just starting off. So we’re going to the Pewter City gym instead.” Carmen yawned, rolling over onto her right side. She patted Squirt on the head and fell asleep.

Suddenly there was a loud crash. Carmen and Squirt woke up and started for the lab. When they got there, Prof. Oak and Tracey were standing outside.

“What’s going on?” Carmen gasped.

“Mudkip mud.” Squirt said, panting.

“Someone broke into the lab.” Prof. Oak stated.

Suddenly there was a loud bang followed by and explosion. Flames started to appear by the storage room.

“Char!” a scared voice shouted.

“Oh no!” Tracey exclaimed. “Charmander got out of her Poké Ball!”

Carmen and Squirt looked at each other with a determined flame in their eyes. Squirt hopped onto Carmen's shoulder and they ran into the lab.

“Hey! It’s dangerous in there!” Tracey called after Carmen.

Carmen came to the storage room’s door and tried to open it.

“The hinges are melted.” She stated trying not to breathe in the smoke.

Squirt hopped onto the floor and fired an Ice Beam at the door then followed it with a Take Down. The door fell onto the storage room floor.

“Good job, Squirt.” Carmen said. “Now use Water Gun on the flames.”

Squirt fired jets of water at the flames as they ran through the room.

“Char-mander!”

Carmen ran toward the other side of the room, where Blaine was struggling with the fire Pokémon.

“Stay still, Runt!” Blaine shouted. He looked up and saw his little sister and her Pokémon. “On the other hand, I think I’ll take you instead.” He tossed Charmander into the air, scooped Squirt into a net, and leaped out the window.

Carmen ran and caught Charmander in her arms. She then leaped out the window going after her brother.

“Squirt!” Carmen shouted. She spotted Blaine getting away on the ladder of a helicopter and sprinted after it. “Don’t worry Squirt! I’m coming!” Suddenly, Carmen tripped over a stone, falling onto her face and sending Charmander flying. Carmen looked up, helplessly watching the helicopter fly away. Tears streamed down from Carmen's cheeks. “Squirt!” Carmen pounded the ground with her fist.

“Charmander.” Charmander said sadly, patting Carmen on the back.

Carmen slowly got to her feet and picked up Charmander. She started walking toward the front of the lab building.

“Carmen?” Tracey said as she approached them.

“Squirt.” Carmen muttered. She stumbled and started falling forward.

Prof. Oak ran up to Carmen and caught her. He slung Carmen's right arm over his shoulder and turned toward Tracey. “They took Squirt.”

Carmen opened her eyes. “What happened?” she asked rubbing her eyes. Then she remembered what had happened. “Squirt!” she leaped to her feet and started for the door. She was suddenly being held back. She looked over her shoulder and saw the professor. “Let me go! I’ve got to get Squirt back!”

“Do you even know where Squirt was taken?” Tracey asked.

“No, but I promised her that I’d never let anything happen to her!” Carmen shouted bolting out the door.

“Char-mander!” Charmander exclaimed running after Carmen.

Meanwhile at Team Rocket headquarters in the mountains near Viridian City, Giovanni was looking at Squirt who was ramming into the bars of her cage.

“She’s that powerful?” Giovanni asked Blaine and Kristy as he petted his Persian.

“Yes.” Blaine informed.

“She’s small.”

“We know.” Kristy stated.

“Put her in the battle room.” Giovanni said to one of his henchmen. “And put our strongest Pokémon in with her.”

The henchman took Squirt down the hall and put her in a huge room. Giovanni took his seat in the balcony overlooking the room, Blaine and Kristy stood behind him.

“Release the Pokémon!” Giovanni commanded.

A Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Golem, Victreebell, Raticate, Onix, and Fearow appeared on the field. Squirt took a step back from the Pokémon in front of her.

“Looks like she’s scared.” Giovanni stated.

The seven Pokémon charged at Squirt. Squirt turned around and started running away from the other Pokémon. Suddenly Squirt was cornered, she turned and faced the other Pokémon.

“Mudkip mud mudkip!” Squirt shouted, telling them to stop.

“Raticate!” Raticate exclaimed threatening her with his teeth.

Squirt didn’t back down, she couldn’t if she wanted to get back to Carmen. She saw an opening between Nidoking’s legs and ran through them.

“Clever little snot.” Giovanni stated.

Squirt looked around the room trying to find a way out. She suddenly had an idea. Squirt stopped at the heavy metal door that she came through. She taunted Onix by patting her behind with one of her forefeet. Enraged Onix charged at Squirt with his head. Squirt aimed her Ice Beam at the door, sending her flying backward and dodging the attack at the same time. Onix then rammed his head into the door sending it flying off the hinges and crashing to the floor of the hallway. Squirt acted quickly and sprinted out the door.

“After her!” Giovanni exclaimed leaping from his seat.

4
FIGHTING FOR-EVE-R

Carmen ran down the road toward Viridian City with Charmander hanging onto her shoulder. The others weren’t far behind, but they were struggling to keep up with Carmen.

“Are you sure Espeon felt Squirt’s presence in Viridian City?” Eli panted.

Danny nodded. “Espeon didn’t tell me that Squirt is in Viridian City, he told me that she’s near Viridian City.”

Theo looked up ahead at Carmen who suddenly fell to the ground. “Carmen!” he exclaimed running up to his little sister, Eli and Danny followed. Theo picked Carmen up and held her in his arms.

“Is she alright?” Eli asked gasping for breath.

Theo took off one of his gloves and felt Carmen's forehead. “She has a slight fever.” he stated. Theo pulled his glove back onto his hand and hoisted his sister onto his back. “Let’s get to Viridian City so that she can rest properly.

“Char char-mander?” Charmander asked worriedly.

“Don’t worry Charmie,” Eli assured as she picked up the small fire Pokémon,
“Carmen's going to be alright.”

“She’ll be even better when we get Squirt back.” Danny remarked.

“Blaine is going to pay for this.” Theo said angrily. “He’s going to pay big time.”

They all agreed and started for Viridian City again. With thoughts of Carmen and Squirt weighing heavily on their hearts.

“We got her Boss.” a henchman stated, bringing a caged Squirt into the office. The henchman placed the cage on the desk in front of his boss.
Giovanni spun around in his chair. He glared at Squirt. “You thought you could get away didn’t you?”

Squirt turned her back to Giovanni.

Giovanni turned the cage so that Squirt was facing him again. “Look at me when I’m talking to you!”

Squirt frowned and tried hitting Giovanni with her Water Gun, but ended up getting shocked by a blast of electricity from the cage. “Mudkip!” she wailed in pain.

Giovanni snickered. “Nice try, but Team Rocket isn’t that stupid.”

Unexpectedly Squirt started glowing. Giovanni took a step back in shock.

“W-what’s going on?” Giovanni asked one of his henchmen.

“I’m not sure.” The henchman replied.

The cage was blasted open by an enormous amount of energy that Squirt fired off. She then hopped off the desk and ran out the door. And yet again the henchmen were after her.

“It’s only a cold and exertion. She’ll be fine with some sleep.” Nurse Joy informed. “It isn’t everyday that I get to treat a trainer.”

Everyone sighed in relief. “Thank you Nurse Joy.” Theo said in appreciation.

The three of them went into Carmen's room. She lay under the covers asleep. Theo took off Carmen's bandanna and gloves setting them on the end table. Carmen's skin was pale and her cheeks a rosy red from the fever.

“She’s so wiped out.” Danny said.

“She’s been through a lot the pass few hours.” Eli stated.

Carmen stirred in her sleep. “Squirt.” She muttered. “Don’t worry, I’ll always protect you.”

“We should let her sleep.” Theo said.

They walked outside the room, closing the door behind them. They went to the lobby and sat down. After a few minutes Danny got up.

“Where you going?” Eli asked.

“Espeon and I are going to practice for our next contest.” Danny replied. “I know we have to help Carmen, but I can’t keep moping around.”

“Coordinators get to use two Pokémon in this region.” Eli stated.

Danny walked outside the Pokémon Center. He walked through town to the market square. He stepped onto the edge of the fountain and grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt. “Alright! Espeon, it’s show time!” he exclaimed tossing the Poké Ball into the air.

“Espe’!” Espeon said landing in front of Danny.

Some passers-by stopped to take a look at what Danny was doing.

“Espeon use Swift!” Danny commanded.

Espeon shot stars from his mouth spinning up into the air.

“Now, Psychic!”

Espeon sent out a wave of psychic energy and started to move the stars around in the air.

“Mudkip formation. Now Pichu. Target formation.” Danny called.

Espeon did as he was told. He formed the target then flipped through the
middle, landing in front of the growing audience. Danny and Espeon took a bow.

The crowd cheered and called for more.

“Espeon to my side.” Danny said as he grabbed another Poké Ball from his belt. “Venomoth! It’s time for the second act!”

Venomoth popped out of his Poké Ball and spun through the air. Stopping just in front of the crowd.

“Venomoth climb and use Silver Wind!” Danny commanded.

The purple moth Pokémon spiraled into the air with a faint trail of Silver Wind sparkling behind him. When Venomoth reached the peak of his climb he flapped his wings scattering his Silver Wind onto the audience.
Danny unwrapped his purple scarf from around his heck. “Now use Confusion!” he called, tossing it into the air.

A blue glow surrounded the ribbon as Venomoth did as he was told. The ribbon formed into a spiral around Venomoth as he rotated in the eye of the ribbon.

“Finish off with Flash!”

There was a bright flash of light and the next thing that the audience knew Venomoth was perched on Danny’s outstretched hand. The crowd applauded their performance as Danny and his Pokémon took a bow.

“Thank you. Thank you. We’ll be entering the Kanto contests this year hoping to bringing our performances to the top.” Danny said as the crowd dispersed.
Danny sat down and took his PokéBlock case from his bag, giving each of his Pokémon a PokéBlock.

“You guys were great.” Danny praised. “But we still have a lot to do to get to the Grande Festival.”

He returned his Pokémon to their Poké Balls and headed back toward the Pokémon Center. When he walked through the door Eli was sitting with her head leaned back, asleep. Charmie lay on her lap also asleep. Theo was sitting with his elbows on his legs and his hands against his chin, staring off into space. Danny walked over to his older brother and sat down next to him.

“How’s Carmen?” he asked.

“Still asleep.” Theo answered. “How’d practice go?”

“Pretty good. But we can still get better.” Danny stated.

Theo leaned back in his seat with a sigh. “Remember what we promised Mom and Dad before we left?”

“Yeah.” Danny said.

“What was it?”

“That we’d take care of each other.”

Theo looked in the direction of Carmen's room. “I feel like I’ve broken that promise.” he stated.

“How so?” Danny questioned.

“We weren’t there to help Carmen when Squirt was taken by Blaine, our own flesh and blood, and we couldn’t even prevent her from getting sick.” Theo explained.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Theo. It’s not like we wanted this to happen.” Danny said trying to comfort his big brother. “Come on let’s have some dinner and get to bed. Right now we need the energy, more than ever, to help Carmen.” He looked over at Eli who was starting to snore. “Besides, Eli is taking it well.”

Theo looked at his little brother. “Eli and Charmie left a few minutes after you did to look around town for any trace of Team Rocket.” He stated. “They came back fifteen minutes before you walked through the door and fell asleep as they sat down to rest."

5
SEARCH PARTY

The next morning Carmen woke up early and saw her bandanna and gloves on the end table and her hip sack leaning against the wall. She retied her blue bandanna around her head and pulled on her gloves. Walking out of the room she snatched up her backpack, fastening it around her waist. When she reached the lobby she spotted the others. She headed toward the front door.

“Char-mander?” Charmie said, waking up.

Charmie spotted Carmen and ran over to her, hopping into Carmen's arms.

“Come on Charmie.” Carmen whispered. “Lets go find Squirt.”

They walked through the sliding doors of the Pokémon Center and onto the streets of Viridian City. Carmen walked the streets looking for any sign of her Mudkip. After a while she and Charmie came to the edge of the city, a path lead into the mountains. Charmie hopped out of Carmen's arms and ran head into the mountains.

“Charmie! Get back here!” Carmen called to her fire Pokémon, as she ran after her.

Back at the Pokémon Center, Danny had woken up to check in on Carmen. He noticed the door the room was open and peered inside, finding the bed bare and the covers flipped over. Danny ran back to the lobby.

“Carmen's gone and so is her stuff!” he exclaimed.

Both Eli and Theo woke up at the sound of Danny’s voice. Eli looked around her noticing that Charmie was missing.

“Charmie’s gone too.” Eli stated.

Theo got to his feet. “Come on, Carmen's still sick. We have to go find them.”

The three of them ran out the door.

“Beautifly! Noctowl! Gyarados! Come on out!” Theo called, tossing out three Poké Balls.

“Butterfree! Salamence! Let’s go!” Eli exclaimed.

“Venomoth! Help us out!” Danny shouted.

The six Pokémon stood before their trainers, waiting for instructions.

“Alright you guys,” Theo said, “Carmen is somewhere in town an we need your help to find her.”

“So spread out and look for her.” Eli finished.

They took off in different directions in search of Carmen.

Carmen cautiously walked along the path. “Charmie? Charmie where are you?” she called. No one answered. She heard somebody talking up ahead and ducked into the nearby bush. She quietly crawled along side the line of bushes.

“Lookie here.” A voice said. “What’s a Charmander doin’ around here?”

Carmen peeked through the leaves. A man dressed in a Team Rocket uniform held Charmie in his gloved hand.

“Eevee come on out.” Carmen whispered.

Eevee popped out. “Mwee.”

Carmen whispered her plan into Eevee’s ear. When she finished her Pokémon gave her an unsure look. “Trust me. Now go on.”

Eevee sighed and casually walked out of the brush. She sat down a few yards in front of the man and started to lick her paw.

“What do we have here? An Eevee ripe for the picking.” The man slowly approached Eevee. “Come on, I’m not going to hurt you.”

Eevee looked up at the man then ran off down the path. The man chased after her, Charmie tucked underneath his arm. He ran after her. Suddenly a branch swung out and hit him in the face. He fell to the ground, unconscious.

“Good job Eevee.” Carmen said, coming out from behind the bushes. She dragged the man behind the brush and removed his uniform, leaving nothing but his underclothes. She quickly put the uniform over her clothes. “There,” she said. She removed her bandanna and tucked her hair inside of the cap. “It just barely fits.” She turned toward her Pokémon. “What do you think?”

Charmie and Eevee glanced at each other. They weren’t sure about their trainer’s plan.

“Now just one more thing.” Carmen took off the man’s belt that held his Poké Balls and put it in the high branches of the tree. She tied up his hands and feet, and then taped his mouth shut. “That should do it.” she turned back toward her Pokémon. “Now, you two return.”

Eevee and Charmie disappeared into their Poké Balls. Carmen continued her way down the path until she reached a glass building. Two Rocket grunts stood guard at the doors.

OK. Carmen thought. Here goes something.

She walked toward the guards.

“Halt!” the one on the right shouted.

Carmen stopped, the hairs on her neck stood on end. She cleared her throat. “What do you want?” she said in a boyish voice.

“State you’re business.” The grunt on the left demanded.

“I’m a new recruit, from Hoenn.” She stated. “I’ve come on the note of a new Pokémon that’s being held for me.”

“What’s your name?” The right grunt questioned.

“Chaz.”

“Well Chaz,” The left grunt said, “we weren’t informed about your arrival.”

“Do you expect Boss to tell you two losers everything?” Carmen said with a sly grin. “He has more important things to worry about.”

The grunts looked at each other. “You may enter.” They said in union. “Take the elevator to the top floor.”

Carmen nodded and entered the building through the sliding glass doors. She walked to the elevator doors and hit the up button. The doors opened, inside were other members, they exited the small space. Carmen stepped into the empty elevator and pressed the highest numbered button. The elevator moved up through the floors, letting many Rockets on and off. Carmen stood with her arms crossed; the brim of the cap shaded her eyes.

“What’s your name, Kid?” one of the male passengers asked.

“Chaz. I’m new here.”

Carmen glanced at the doors that just opened. How much longer until she got to the top floor? Until she could see Squirt again? Carmen sighed as the doors closed and the elevator continued on its way. Several more minutes passed until she had finally reached the top floor. She ran through the doors and into the hallway. Carmen looked around. Not many Rockets were around. She took a deep breath and walked to the office at the end of the hall. She saw a man in an orange suit sitting at the desk, his back was facing her. On the desk was a small cage that held a small blue Pokémon within it.

Squirt! She thought. She ducked around the corner just as he turned around. I’ve found you. But how am I supposed to get you back?

Carmen thought for a moment. She took out two Poké Balls. Sparklez and Charmie popped out.

“Sparklez, I need you to use your Thunder Shock on that door. Charmie use your Smoke Screen to cover her.” Carmen whispered.

The two of them nodded and lunched their attacks. The office door shattered and Carmen burst into the room.

“Who’s there?” Giovanni exclaimed.

The smoke cleared. Carmen stood on his desk, hands on her hips. “The name’s Carmen Gettim.” She stated removing the cap. “And I’ve come to take back my Squirt!”

“That’s very sweet of you, but-” Giovanni said. He snapped his fingers. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

Carmen was suddenly restrained by two Rocket grunts. “Hey! Let me go!” she shouted, struggling to get free. Two other grunts came in, Sparklez and Charmie struggling in their arms.

“Lock her up.” Giovanni ordered.

The henchmen took her out of the office. They entered the elevator. Eevee suddenly popped out of her Poké Ball.

“Mwee.” She mewed.

The grunts looked at Eevee. Carmen smirked, stomping on their feet. They released Carmen, shocked by the pain. Eevee hopped onto Carmen's shoulder as she ran out of the elevator, hitting the ‘close door’ button on their way out. They ran after the grunts that took Sparklez and Charmie.

“Hey!” Carmen shouted. The grunts turned around and looked at her. “Give back my Pokémon!”

“Make us, Kid.”

Carmen smirked. “Eevee! Give them a Take Down! Team Gettim style!”

Eevee leaped off Carmen's shoulder and charged at the grunts. She hit them in the gut and Sparklez and Charmie were released. They ran to Carmen's side and faced the grunts.

“Thunder Bolt, Sparklez! Charmie, Ember! Eevee, Swift!” Carmen called off.

The three of them nodded and launched their attacks. The grunts fell to the ground. Carmen turned on her heel and ran back toward Giovanni’s office, her Pokémon running along side her. She bolted through the office and leaped over the desk, snatching Squirt’s cage.

“How’d you?” Giovanni stuttered.

Carmen stood on the ledge of the open window. “I’m Blain’s little sister. What’d you expect?” With a wink, she blew a kiss to Giovanni and leaped out the window, her Pokémon followed. She tossed out a Poké Ball and Sundance popped out, catching them and flying toward Viridian City.

Beautifly scanned the city below, without any luck of finding Carmen. He looked up and saw a growing figure in the horizon. He took off for the Pokémon Center, where his trainer was waiting.

Theo glanced up and spotted his bug Pokémon approaching them.

“Beautifly.” He said to Theo, pointing in the direction that he saw the figure coming from.

Theo motioned for the others to follow him and Beautifly