Chapter 5: Team Rocket

In the morning, near the riverbed inside the camp, Julian was sleeping peacefully. However, he was awakened by something pecking at his face. As he slowly opened his eyes, he saw Pidgey perched on his chest, gazing at him with curiosity and a newfound awareness. Julian sat up and gently patted Pidgey's head.

Julian said, "Looks like you're feeling all better now."

Pidgey responded with a cheerful "peeee" and nodded its head happily.

Julian then walked out of the tent and released his Pokémon. Magikarp wasted no time and leaped into the river, while Chimchar and Bulbasaur warmly greeted Pidgey, creating a harmonious atmosphere among his team.

Julian said, "Okay, Bulbasaur, before we start our journey, let's work on learning a new move today. Chimchar, you can focus on some close combat training and meditation afterward."

He turned to Pidgey and said, "You can sit and watch us train. Afterward, when we continue our journey, I'll take you to the Pokémon Center."

Pidgey responded with a cheerful "peeee" and nodded its head.

Julian continued, "Alright, Bulbasaur, come with me."

Julian and Bulbasaur then walked over to a nearby tree to begin their training session.

Julian said, "Today, you're going to learn a new move called Energy Ball."

Bulbasaur looked a bit confused, tilting its head.

Julian continued, "Try to imagine that you're gathering energy from your surroundings onto your back. Then, channel that energy forward to shape it into a ball."

With Julian's explanation, Bulbasaur began to understand. It started to collect energy from its surroundings, causing its bud to emit a vibrant green glow. Slowly, it began to channel the accumulated energy, forming a small, green ball. Though it was a modest beginning, Julian couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and pride in Bulbasaur's progress.

Julian praised Bulbasaur, saying, "You're doing great, Bulbasaur. If you keep this up, you'll learn this move in no time."

Encouraged by Julian's words, Bulbasaur became even more determined and continued practicing. Julian walked back to the campsite, where he observed his Pokémon training. As he watched them, he began to strategize for his upcoming battle with Brock.

He thought to himself, 'Geodude won't be a problem; I've been training Bulbasaur specifically for that. But the real challenge will be Onix. I don't have a suitable Pokémon to face it. Chimchar's close combat skills are still weak, and fire-based attacks won't be effective. Even if Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, it won't be able to battle in that rocky terrain without water. I guess I'll have to catch a new Pokémon or rely on Bulbasaur for now.'

While Julian was engrossed in thoughts about his strategy, a Meowth-shaped balloon appeared in the distance, steadily approaching. Inside the balloon, there were three figures - two humans and a Pokémon. It was none other than Team Rocket, and they appeared to be in pretty rough shape.

James complained, "Ugh, I'm so tired and hungry. We haven't eaten anything for three days."

Jessie snapped at him, "Shut up, you idiot! Don't talk about food; it'll only make me even hungrier."

Meowth chimed in, "You guys at least had food three days ago and even ate my share. I haven't eaten for a whole five days. What am I doing with you idiots instead of being in the boss's lap?"

All three members of Team Rocket sighed in unison, feeling utterly defeated. But then, they heard a banging noise nearby. James perked up and grabbed his binoculars, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. He focused his binoculars and saw Chimchar and Bulbasaur engaged in their training.

James pointed and said, "Hey, look at that Pokémon. I've never seen one like it."

Jessie turned to Meowth and asked, "Hey, Meowth, do you know what kind of Pokémon that is?"

Meowth replied with frustration, "How would I know?"

James, not one to give up easily, reached for a book about Pokémon native to the Kanto region. He flipped through the pages and remarked, "Hmm, it's not a Pokémon from the Kanto region. I can't find it in the book."

Jessie exclaimed, "We should catch it and send it to the boss! Look at that Bulbasaur; it's enormous! It must be incredibly strong. We should catch it and make it a part of our team."

James agreed, "Yes, with that powerful Bulbasaur on our side, we'll be able to dominate and steal many Pokémon. Then, we'll get promoted and become rich, hehehe."

Meowth added, "And finally, I'll be able to become the boss's favorite and throw away that nasty Persian, hahaha."

Unbeknownst to Julian, who had been deep in thought about his upcoming gym battle, two enormous mechanical hands suddenly lunged at Chimchar and Bulbasaur. Both Pokémon had sharp reflexes and managed to dodge the hands, preparing to stand their ground. Julian, now alerted by the commotion, turned his attention to the scene and saw a giant Meowth balloon floating before them. At the sight of the balloon, Julian began to feel a headache coming on.

Julian muttered to himself, "Not these clowns again."

He then shouted at Team Rocket, "What the heck are you idiots doing?"

Jessie bristled at being called an idiot and retorted, "What did you just call us? Did you call us idiots?"

Julian didn't back down and replied, "Of course, I called you idiots. Only idiots would attack Pokémon with giant mechanical hands."

Hearing herself insulted like this, Jessie grew even angrier. However, Meowth tried to calm her down.

Meowth pointed out, "Jessie, calm down. Look, he even has a gold Magikarp."

Jessie dismissed the Magikarp and pointed a finger at Julian, saying, "Who do you think you are, calling me an idiot? I'll make you pay!"

Magikarp, angered by Jessie's insult, launched a tackle attack on her. In response, Jessie dismissed Magikarp as useless and called out Ekans for assistance. Ekans swiftly slapped Magikarp away with its tail, sending it back into the river.

However, this time, Magikarp was exceptionally infuriated and began to glow brightly.

Julian chuckled and said, "Looks like these idiots helped Magikarp evolve, haha."

Meowth remarked, "Jessie, I think this time you've really outdone yourself."

Jessie, baffled, asked, "What are you babbling about?"

James pointed and said, "Just look at yourself and what you've done."

As her friends became increasingly terrified, Jessie followed their gaze, only to turn pale as a ghost when she saw it—a colossal, red Gyarados, much larger than the norm, glaring at them with seething anger.

Julian couldn't help but smirk. "Haha, it looks like I have to thank you for helping my Magikarp evolve into Gyarados. So, take this gift from me, Gyarados! Use Hydro Pump!"

Gyarados roared fiercely, and with that, it unleashed a colossal jet of water that struck the Meowth balloon, sending it blasting away into the distance.

As they rocketed away, James couldn't help but lament, "Why does this always happen to us?" (with a crying face)

Jessie, still visibly shaken and as pale as a ghost, whispered, "That Gyarados is terrifying."

Meowth chimed in with disappointment, "We didn't even get a chance to introduce ourselves."

All three of them shouted in unison, "We're blasting off againnnnnn!"

And with that, they disappeared into the sky. Julian, meanwhile, admired his magnificent Gyarados, which floated proudly in front of him.

Julian smiled at his Pokémon and said, "Buddy, you've turned into a magnificent Gyarados, right, guys?"

His other Pokémon nodded their heads in agreement, all very pleased and proud of Gyarados.

Julian said, "Alright, guys, let's pack up and continue our journey, or we'll be late. Gyarados, Bulbasaur, return."

He retrieved their Poké Balls, and with a flash of red light, Gyarados and Bulbasaur returned to their Poké Balls. Then, he turned to Pidgey.

Julian asked, "Hey buddy, do you want to come with us?" He presented a Poké Ball and placed it in front of Pidgey.

Pidgey responded with a cheerful "peeee" and willingly pressed the button, allowing itself to be captured. Julian picked up the ball and placed it in his pouch.

Julian then called out to Chimchar, saying, "Chimchar, let's go."

With Chimchar perched on his shoulder, they continued their journey together.