A New Companion

The sun was high by the time we left Raven's house. After a hearty breakfast and some good-natured laughs with his family, we headed toward Professor Oak's lab, my heart pounding with excitement. Today, I would finally receive my Pokédex—the key to my new journey as a Pokémon Trainer.

As we walked, Raven seemed unusually quiet. Finally, he turned to me, a bit of nervous energy in his eyes. "Joy… would you mind if I tagged along on your journey?"

I stopped, surprised. "You want to come with me?"

He nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yeah. I mean, Dratini and I… we're just starting out, and, well, my mom's worried I'm too clumsy to go on my own." He laughed a little, rubbing the back of his head. "She's not wrong. But if you're there, she'd feel a lot better about it."

I thought about it for a moment, then smiled. "Of course! Having a travel companion would make things more fun—and safer. Besides, we make a pretty good team."

Raven's face lit up. "Thanks, Joy! You won't regret it, I promise!"

We walked the rest of the way with a new sense of purpose, laughing and talking about our favorite Pokémon and sharing our goals. But just as we reached Professor Oak's lab, a loud BOOM echoed across the area, shaking the ground.

"What was that?!" Raven gasped.

My heart raced as smoke started billowing from the lab windows. "We need to get in there—now!"

We bolted toward the lab, pushing through the doors to find the place in chaos. Bookshelves were toppled, equipment was scattered across the floor, and the air was thick with smoke. In the center of it all stood Professor Oak, looking battle-worn but determined as he shielded a group of Pokémon with his body. Standing across from him were two figures in black uniforms—Team Rocket grunts, smirking with Pokéballs in hand.

"Hand over the Pokémon, old man," one of the grunts sneered, holding out a Pokéball. "You wouldn't want to make things more difficult than they need to be."

Professor Oak's eyes narrowed, standing his ground. "I won't let you harm these Pokémon. Leave now, or you'll have me to answer to."

Raven and I exchanged a look, fear and excitement surging through us. Team Rocket was infamous for stealing and exploiting Pokémon, and seeing them up close filled me with both dread and determination.

"This is our chance to help him," I whispered, clenching my fists.

Raven nodded, a determined look on his face as he pulled out Dratini's Pokéball.

The grunts glared at us as we stepped forward, each reaching for a Pokéball. With a smirk, the first grunt threw his Pokéball into the air, and a Weezing appeared in a puff of toxic smoke, its two heads glaring at us with an ominous grin. The second grunt followed suit, releasing a Meowth that hissed, its claws gleaming in the dim light of the lab.

"Well, well, looks like we've got some little heroes trying to play big," one grunt sneered, crossing his arms. "Weezing, use Smog! Let's cloud their vision."

The Weezing let out a thick, dark plume of smoke, filling the room with a choking haze. I coughed, struggling to see through the blinding cloud.

"Chansey, stay close to me!" I called, feeling the reassuring warmth of my Pokémon beside me.

Raven squinted through the smoke, his expression turning serious. "Dratini, I choose you!" he shouted, releasing Dratini, who gave a fierce cry despite its recent battle with the Spearows.

"Meowth, use Fury Swipes on Dratini!" the second grunt ordered.

The Meowth leaped forward, its claws ready to strike, but Raven was quick to react. "Dratini, dodge and use Thunder Wave!"

Dratini slithered to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding Meowth's slashing claws. With a crackle of electricity, it unleashed a paralyzing Thunder Wave that hit Meowth head-on, causing it to stiffen and struggle to move.

I grinned, seeing Raven's quick reflexes in action. "Nice one, Raven! Chansey, let's help out. Use Thunderbolt on Weezing!"

Chansey charged up, sparks flying from her body as she released a powerful Thunderbolt that cut through the smoke and hit Weezing squarely. Weezing grunted, recoiling from the attack but quickly regained its composure, letting out a furious roar.

The grunts exchanged a panicked glance, clearly not expecting us to put up such a fight. "Don't just stand there!" one of them yelled. "Weezing, hit them with Sludge Bomb!"

Weezing inhaled deeply, then launched a glob of dark purple sludge directly at Chansey. "Chansey, dodge it!" I called, but the lab's cramped space made it hard to maneuver. The sludge hit Chansey, who stumbled back, wincing but still standing strong.

"Dratini, let's end this! Use Dragon Rage!" Raven shouted, determination flaring in his eyes.

Dratini opened its mouth, unleashing a swirling vortex of blue flames that hit both Weezing and Meowth, knocking them back and leaving scorch marks on the floor. The grunts looked furious, clenching their fists as they realized they were outmatched.

"We're not finished yet," I said firmly. "If you don't leave now, we'll make sure you regret coming here."

The grunts hesitated, their confidence visibly shaken. Finally, one of them growled, "This isn't over, kids. Team Rocket always comes back." They recalled their weakened Pokémon and stormed out of the lab, leaving the room in tense silence.

As the smoke cleared, Professor Oak straightened up, brushing himself off and giving us a grateful smile. "You two were incredible," he said, his eyes twinkling with admiration. "Thank you for stepping in when I needed help."

Raven grinned, clearly pleased, while I felt a surge of pride. "It was nothing, Professor. We couldn't just stand by and watch."

Professor Oak nodded, then walked over to his desk and picked up a single pink device, handing it to me. As Professor Oak handed me the Pokédex, he paused and looked at me thoughtfully. "I don't believe we've met officially. What's your name, young trainer?"

I straightened up, trying to hide my excitement. "I'm Joytrice Orquiza, but you can call me Joy."

Professor Oak's eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah, Orquiza! I've heard about you from your family. Quite the gifted Pokémon caretaker, from what I understand."

I felt a mix of pride and surprise, nodding shyly. "Thank you, Professor. I'm hoping to become more than that… maybe even a Champion someday."

Oak smiled approvingly. "With determination like that, you're already on the right path, Joy."

Then, he turned to Raven, a more familiar smile crossing his face. "And Raven—back again so soon, I see. You're in good company with Joy here."

Raven grinned, giving me an encouraging nudge. "Yep! Joy saved me from a flock of Spearows. She's the best partner I could ask for."

Professor Oak chuckled, looking between the two of us. "Sounds like a strong partnership already. You'll need each other out there."

With my new Pokédex in hand and Oak's encouraging words, I felt my determination solidify. Raven and I exchanged a look, both of us ready for the journey ahead—together.