c6: First Meeting, The Rockets Debut
"Alex, it really is you!" Ash called out, running over excitedly. Behind him trailed a girl with striking orange hair and a scorched bicycle. Alex instantly recognized her this had to be Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader, though she hadn't revealed it yet.
Alex sized her up quickly. To be fair, Misty looked great athletic, long legs, a commanding presence. But she also gave off a strong, no-nonsense vibe, one that screamed don't mess with me.
"Ash, you're here in Pewter City too? Are you planning to challenge the Gym?" Alex asked.
"Gym? What kind of Gym?" Ash tilted his head, clearly clueless.
Alex blinked, stunned. Seriously? This guy left Pallet Town with no idea how the League works?
He patiently explained: "To participate in the Pokémon League Conference, you have to collect eight official Gym Badges from League-recognized Gyms. Pewter City's Gym, run by Brock, awards the Boulder Badge—it's your first step."
"Ohhh, I get it now! I thought I just had to catch a bunch of Pokémon and show up!"
Alex internally face-palmed. Ash's talent might be legendary, but his logic sure isn't.
Trying to redirect the conversation, Alex asked, "So what brings you here?"
Ash explained that Pikachu had been badly injured in an earlier battle. They came to Pewter City's Pokémon Center for emergency care. Misty, whose bike was fried by Pikachu's Thunderbolt, had been following him ever since, demanding repayment. But Ash had no money so now Misty was tailing him until he paid her back.
"Oh right," Ash added. "This is Misty."
"Misty, this is Alex—he's a seriously strong Trainer."
"Hi." The two greeted each other with a nod.
Misty, arms folded, narrowed her eyes at Ash. "But don't think you're getting away. If you don't pay me back for the bike, I'll follow you to the ends of Kanto."
"Alright, alright!" Alex interrupted, already tired of their bickering. He pulled out his Pokédex, transferred the cost of a new bicycle in Alliance Credits directly to Misty's account, and handed it back.
Stunned, Misty blinked. "But… it wasn't even your fault. You don't have to pay for it."
Alex smiled. "It's fine. Ash and I started our journey together his problems are mine. Just accept it."
Ash looked like he was about to cry. "Alex, you're the best!" He reached for Alex's hand with a face full of tears and snot.
Disgusted, Alex pulled his hand away. "Let's not. You need a tissue. Anyway, I just finished my Gym battle, so I was heading to the Pokémon Center. Let's go together."
The three made their way to Pewter City's Pokémon Center, which was nearly identical to how it looked in the anime spotless, warm, and managed by a stunning Nurse Joy.
"Miss Joy, can you please heal my team?" Alex asked politely.
"Of course, Trainer," Nurse Joy said with a kind smile. No wonder Brock was obsessed with her she had an ethereal charm that was hard to ignore.
Ash approached. "Miss Joy, is Pikachu going to be okay?"
"He's recovering well," she said. "But his injuries were severe. You need to be more careful next time."
Ash lowered his head. "I know… it's my fault for not protecting him better."
Miss Joy gently handed Pikachu over to Ash, who immediately embraced his partner.
"Pikachu…"
"Pika… pi…" Pikachu opened his eyes slowly, looking weak but responsive. For the first time, he didn't resist Ash's touch.
This was the turning point after Ash had shielded Pikachu from the Spearow attack, the Electric-type Pokémon had finally begun to trust his Trainer from the heart.
That's the Skin God, Alex thought. Pikachu's bright yellow fur, zigzag tail, and red cheeks radiated familiarity. This is the same Pokémon who once shocked even Legendaries into submission. Can't help but be a little jealous of Ash's luck.
"Pikachu, this is Alex," Ash said. "We left Pallet Town together."
"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head, curious, then looked at Alex.
"Hello, Pikachu," Alex said, reaching out to gently pat Pikachu on the head. The little Pokémon didn't flinch, accepting the touch with a tiny smile.
At that moment, Nurse Joy walked over with a warm smile. "Mr. Alex, your Pokémon have fully recovered."
Alex accepted the Poké Balls containing Dragonair and Onix, nodding in gratitude. "Thank you, Nurse Joy."
He turned back to Ash and Misty. "It's getting late. Let's all stay at the Pokémon Center tonight."
"Sounds good," Ash and Misty agreed.
Just as the three were about to request rooms, a loud explosion echoed from above. The ceiling rattled slightly, and they rushed outside to see a massive Meowth-shaped hot air balloon descending over the Center. Standing atop it were a flamboyantly dressed man and woman and a talking Meowth.
Ash's eyes widened. "Hey! Who are you people?"
The trio immediately struck their signature pose:
Jessie: "Since you're asking with curiosity…"
James: "We'll answer with generosity!"
Jessie: "To protect the world from devastation!"
James: "To unite all peoples within our nation!"
Jessie: "To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
James: "To extend our reach to the stars above!"
Jessie: "Jessie!"
James: "James!"
Jessie: "Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
James: "Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
Meowth: "Meowth! That's right!"
Misty's expression darkened. "Team Rocket... you're the notorious Pokémon thieves!"
Jessie sneered. "Watch your mouth, little girl! James, show them how we handle disrespect!"
"With pleasure!" James grinned. "Go, Weezing and Arbok snatch their Pokémon!"
"Trying to steal from us? Keep dreaming." Alex stepped forward, flinging a Poké Ball. "Garchomp, Dragon Rage!"
The ground split as a stream of roaring draconic energy erupted. James gawked. "A Garchomp?! Where did he get such a rare Pokémon?!"
"Weezing, use Sludge Bomb! Arbok, Poison Sting!"
But before either could land a hit, Garchomp's Dragon Rage engulfed them in a vortex of power. Both Pokémon were blasted backward, instantly fainted.
"That Garchomp… it's too powerful!" Meowth cried. "We need it for the boss! Initiating capture mode!"
With a press of a button, the Meowth balloon deployed a massive mechanical claw, aiming to seize Garchomp.
"Dodge it and use Air Slash!" Alex shouted. Garchomp twisted mid-air, releasing a blade of compressed wind that sliced through the claw.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash added, electricity crackling from Pikachu's cheeks.
"Starmie, Gem Beam!" Misty commanded.
The trio of attacks struck in unison. The claw shattered into pieces, erupting in sparks.
Jessie stumbled. "This isn't going as planned retreat!"
"Not so fast!" Misty shouted. "Don't let them get away!"
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash called.
"Garchomp, Dragon Rush!" Alex followed.
Electricity and dragonfire surged through the night sky. With a massive explosion, Team Rocket's balloon burst, sending them rocketing into the distance.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they screamed in unison, vanishing with a sparkle.
Nurse Joy rushed outside, alarmed. "Is everyone alright? I've already contacted Officer Jenny. She'll handle the rest."
"We're fine," Alex replied, brushing dust off his jacket. "But I guess the Center won't be taking overnight guests now."
Moments later, Officer Jenny of Pewter City arrived, lights flashing. She took statements from Alex, Ash, and Misty, recording the attempted robbery. "Thank you for defending the Center," she said. "If not for you, those Pokémon would've been stolen. I'll file a report with the Pokémon League you'll likely receive commendations."
With the situation resolved, the three Trainers headed out and checked into a nearby hotel, renting three separate rooms for the night.
Inside his room, Alex made a call to Professor Oak to report his Gym victory.
"I earned the Boulder Badge at the Pewter Gym," Alex reported proudly.
But Oak's next words surprised him: "Gary already called in. He beat Brock two days ago. He's headed toward Cerulean City now."
Alex sighed. So Gary's already one step ahead again. That's what I get for taking the scenic route.
After exchanging a few more words with Oak, Alex hung up. He took a long, hot scalding shower, washing away the grime of the day. As steam filled the room, he stretched and lay down, preparing for whatever came next.
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