EPISODE 9: Elm!*

New Bark Town, one of the smallest neighborhoods of the Johto Region. The town harnesses the power of the wind through windmills and converts it into electricity for the civilians to use. It is true what professor Olive said, the town is quite peaceful. One cannot help but feel the wind flowing to their face.

Upon arrival, Virgo clumsily goes down the ramp of the helicopter, causing her to stumble down to the grass. Luckily, I was there to help her stand up. Taking our first glance at the town, we saw numerous Pokemons we've never seen before. There's also this owl that has large eyes that seems to be staring at your soul when you look at it.

"All we have to do is to find the laboratory of Professor Elm, and I can finally claim my starter Pokemon." Walking through the town, Virgo smirks as her body could no longer hold all of her enthusiasm. Not minding her enthusiastic spirit, I tilt my eyes to the surroundings, glancing with awe. Out of all, however, a boy of the same age as me catches my attention. He has a black cap with golden stripes on it, how peculiar. Could he be a trainer?

After a walk around the town for about a minute or two, we arrive at the laboratory. It has the looks of a large house with an outdoor stair leading to what I assume is an attic. On the gates, we could see different grass Pokemons fiddling with each other. If I'm not mistaken, there was this cute Sentret who was playing with an Oddish. How adorable.

Meanwhile, Virgo presses the doorbell, attracting the attention of one of the professor's aide. Gladly, he greets us with a smile, and of course, we're wearing our casual public outfit therefore he has no clue that we're members of Team Rocket.

"Good morning trainers, here to receive your starter Pokemons?" He queries.

"No, just her. I am not in need of a starter." I reply, smiling casually and trying not to show obvious signs that I'm a member of Team Rocket.

"Alright then, welcome to Professor Elm's laboratory. Please enter." The aide greets, opening the gates for us.

It's my first time seeing a peaceful laboratory, unlike the PGC who clearly kills Pokemons in their science facilities. Inside, we saw a few more aides wherein most of them are busy with their research agendas. They work alongside their Pokemons for what could be better than a cooperation between a human and a Pokemon?

The aide then leads us to the corner of the facility, wherein we meet the famous professor of the Johto Region, Professor Elm.

"Greetings trainers, so... you're here for your starter Pokemon?" Elm queries.

"Only me. My name is Virgo and Professor Olive asked me to go here in order to receive my starter." Virgo introduces.

"Professor Olive? The last time I checked she was working in a laboratory in the far west of Johto, is that true?" Elm queries again.

Hearing his words, the two of us flinch, remembering that Professor Olive is a member of our organization. Luckily Elm doesn't have a clue about it.

"Y... Yes." I reply in a stuttering manner, trying not to show a suspicious look.

"It's been a long time since the two of us met. Alright then, Virgo, I give you your choices!" Professor Elm throws out three Pokemons. Cyndaquil, Chikorita, and Totodile. Each of them showed their baby doll eyes to Virgo, trying earnestly to grab her attention.

It is as though the wheels of time stopped. Everybody remained silent as Virgo slowly stares and observes the three Pokemons. She quietly thinks which Pokemon would match her bookworm, sensitive, and clumsy nature. After three minutes or so, she finally beams with exuberance, telling what starter she'll be picking.

"I choose Chikorita!" She beams.

"Chikorita? I guess you're a grass type enthusiast. Here is her Pokeball." Elm sends out a soft chuckle and gives Chikorita's Pokeball to her. On the other hand, I've decided to scan the said Pokemon.

Chikorita is a small, pale green Pokémon with dark green buds around its neck. Its head is large in proportion to the rest of its body, and it has big red eyes. It has four short legs with a single nailed toe on each and a stubby tail.

[Chikorita! The leaf Pokemon, a grass type. In battle, CHIKORITA waves its leaf around to keep the foe at bay. However, a sweet fragrance also wafts from the leaf, becalming the battling POKéMON and creating a cozy, friendly atmosphere all around.] My Pokedex informs, showing essential data on its screen.

<Chiko! Chikorita!>With an adorable high-pitched voice, Chikorita jolts to Virgo, hugging her leg.

"Chikorita currently knows two moves which are Razor Leaf and Tackle. Don't worry, as long as you train it, it can learn a variety of moves." Elm adds, watching Chikorita and her trainer play.

With happiness and joy comes a disruption. From behind, someone bursts in the laboratory. He moved at a quick pace, throwing smoke grenades everywhere, catching the attention of everyone inside the laboratory. Being a woman with asthma, I am forced to cover my nostrils, however, I won't let the brains behind this action get away.

Sadly, I was only able to take a glimpse of his hair. A shiny, crimson red hair. Things started to worsen after the settling of the smoke. The professor started to panic gravely, after seeing something peculiar.

"Totodile has been kidnapped?!" Professor Elm panics, searching every inch of the room with his aides to find the said Pokemon.

"Leave the rest to me, professor," I reassure, wrapping him with solaces as I jolt out of the laboratory. As expected, I saw the man trying to escape with Totodile and his Pokeball. From there, I decided to chase and take him down. His red hair and jacket are somewhat attention-grabbing to me. Who is this boy anyways?