Chapter 012

"Pokemon Center computers?" asked Joseph again as we were about to have our dinner.

"Yes! As I said, there is a lot of information available on the internet. We could borrow a data storage device, go to the Pokemon Center and download pictures, information, and details of various Pokemon. It can't compare to the real thing, but it's better than going in blind" said Alex.

"But isn't the Pokemon Center computers for trainers only?" questioned Joseph.

"It is, but trainers hardly come into Hurik Town. The computers are free anyway. And today, I got permission from Nurse Joy to browse the web for some time. So I'm guessing that you can use the computers for a while if you have permission even if you aren't a trainer" explained Alex.

"I'm still not sure..." said Joseph hesitantly.

"Oh come on! The coming PIT is our best chance at a better life. If we miss this we are going to regret it forever. I saw that the previous year's test questions were uploaded online. Plus, if we have useful data we can share it with Lily and Jack" persuaded Alex.

Lily and Jack were two more kids taking the PIT this year. They both were a little over 10 years old, and we're also attempting the PIT for the first time.

The PIT was very important to all four of them. If they failed to get a sponsorship by passing the PIT, while the orphanage wouldn't kick them out, they would be an extra burden to Cherry Grove. Just a few months ago, 16 children under the age of 5 were put into the orphanage after an unfortunate accident in a rest station led to several deaths.

While Roger and Jasmine hadn't bothered the children with it, the four of them knew that the orphanage was becoming low on funds. Hence, the four of them wanted to be able to leave the orphanage to reduce their burden and earn money themselves so that they could send some back to Cherry Grove.

"Alright. Said Joseph. I am in. But what if we get caught?" asked Joseph.

"We will just have to be careful. Even if we are caught, it's not a huge problem. Firstly, it's not illegal for non-trainers to use those computers, it's just that the computers are meant for trainers. Secondly, we are kids preparing for the PIT. I'm sure the adults would cut us some slack" concluded Alex.

Alex's idea was to get a data storage device from a local tech enthusiast, sneak into the computer area of the Pokemon Center, and copy the maximum amount of data possible about the PIT and other information about Pokemon. Cherry Grove had an old computer donated by someone, and they could use it to view the data they copied from the Pokemon Center and use it to study for the PIT.

They knew from experience that if they requested to use the computers in the center, Nurse Joy would refuse, as they were for trainers only unless it was an emergency. But Alex had the bright idea of using them without permission, and then innocently claiming that no rule prevented non-trainers from using them. He had seen plenty of cases be thrown out due to such technicalities in his previous life. Hence he wasn't that worried.

"We should go and tell Jack and Lily our plan," said Joseph.

"Due to the curfew, we won't be allowed out tomorrow until much later. We can discuss the plan then. We should finish executing the plan by tomorrow evening" said Alex.

Both of them finished dinner and walked back up to their rooms. The lights would go out in half an hour, and they couldn't really study much during this time. Hence they just lay on their beds, idly chatting.

"The rangers should have arrived by now. So you think that they will capture the Crobat? What do you think will happen to it?" asked Joseph.

"It will definitely be captured. Uncle Roger implied that there would be more than one ranger with Psychic Pokemon. Plus, they are laying ambush for it. With Crobat being weak to Psychic-type it stands almost no chance" said Alex. "As for what would happen to it, I think there is a good chance it will be released in the depths of Cerulean Cave or Mount Moon. There are plenty of Crobat there apparently. So it should fit right in. But if the rangers find that the Crobat is excessively hostile to humans, they may put it down"

"Is that so? But I don't think that Crobat will be caught easily. When the raid shelter alarm sounded, I was outside. While rushing inside, I took a good look at the Crobat. That Crobat did not look like anything I have ever seen. It seemed very very intelligent" said Joseph.