Poke-Odyssey 2001 chapter 6 Pokebabies Well, things have really gotten interesting for our heroes ever since they entered Ryooku. Cameron's Aerodactyl changed back into a Zubat, Ash left his Pidgeot to guard a village, and Cameron had won his first Ryooku League badge but left his Donphan behind because he fell in love with a pretty pink Donphan. As our heroes were still walking through the huge Tabasco Jungle, Cameron was admiring the green and leafy Vine Badge he won from Amanda, the first Ryooku gym leader. "Just look at it Sandy", sighed Cameron as he showed his Sandshrew the badge. "My very first Ryooku badge." "Shrew!" said Sandy proudly. Even though he wasn't the one who competed for it, he was still happy for his master. "So where is the next gym located?" asked Ash. "In a hot dry place called the Wasabi Desert", said Tracey. "And we'll enter it once we set foot out of this jungle." "You mean we have to cross a hot desert too?!" whined Misty. "This jungle was bad enough!" "Gee Misty", said Ash. "After everything you went through these past six years, I'd think you'd might've gotten a little tougher and less whiny!" "At least the sewers we were forced to live in had the smell of bricks, concrete, and the aroma of junk food floating around in dirty water", said Misty. "But we're now miles away from civilization! Forced to face the cruel elements of Mother Nature!" "Hey, watch how you talk about our dear Mother Nature!" scolded Reiko. "Otherwise you might get hit by a lightning bolt!" "Pika, pi!" said Pikachu who was about to shock Misty if she didn't stop complaining. "Uh, okay guys", said Misty smiling while sweating. "I'll be happy!" "I think we might have a slight problem getting out of this jungle", said Tracey as he pointed to the huge clump of thick vines with thorns that were blocking their pathway. "Oh wonderful!" said Misty while trying desperately to keep her smile. "No problem", smiled Cameron. "I've had this happen to me every time I played my Pokemon game. VP, I choose you!" and he released his Vileplume who made a friendly, "Vile", to everyone. "VP", smiled Cameron. "How about cutting away these nasty vines with your cut power?" "VILE!" said VP as it started spinning around like a buzzsaw getting ready to shred some vines. Just then, VP suddenly stopped and made out a terrible cry. "VP, what happened?!" gasped Cameron as he saw his poor Vileplume sitting on the ground crying with its huge petals all torn to pieces. "Oh no!" he cried while cuddling his hurt Vileplume. "I'm sorry VP. I didn't know that they'd be this tough to cut down. But don't worry, some full restore potion should..." He then looked in his backpack and found he had no more full restores left. "Do any of you guys have any?" Cameron asked his friends. They all looked through their backpacks and found they had no more left either. "Oh dear", said Misty. "Sorry Cameron. But all of us have picked a perfect time to run out of full restores." "Oh no!" cried Cameron. "If only there were a Pokemon center here in this jungle!" "Well you're in luck", said Tracey as he checked his map. "There's a last chance Pokemon center just a mile away from here." "Thank goodness", sighed Cameron. "Don't worry VP, you're going to be okay soon." And he pulled the injured Vileplume back into its Pokeball. "But unluckily..." said Tracey. Cameron frowned the instant he heard that U word. "We have to get rid of all those vines to get to the center." Continued Tracey. "Maybe my Venusaur can help", said Ash. "Venusaurs have been known to be the toughest of the grass types." And he released Venusaur who made a poweful, "SAUR!" "Venusaur", said Ash. "I need you to use razor leaf to get rid of those vines that are blocking our way. Vileplume's life is at stake." "SAUR!" said Venusaur as it flung a bunch of razor sharp leaves at the cluster but didn't do any damage at all. The leaves just got stuck on the thorns making it look decorative. "Venusaur, return", said Ash as he pulled the huge disappointed lizard back into its ball. "I know", said Ash as he took out another Pokeball. "I'll have Charizard burn away those vines!" and he was about to throw his ball until everyone grabbed him. "Don't do that you dolt!" screamed Misty. "If Charizard burns those vines, it could start a huge fire and wipe out this entire jungle. Including all of us!" "Oops, sorry Misty", said Ash blushing. "I'm glad you're always there by my side to keep me out of trouble." "Think nothing of it Ashy", winked Misty. "I'm happy to be the brain of your half one." "Why can't we cut through these things?!" whined Cameron. "VP won't get better if we don't get to that Pokemon center!" "Perhaps we need a Pokmeon with some heavy duty cutters", said Reiko. "Like my Kingler!" and she released her huge smiling crab in front of the cluster. "Yes", smiled Cameron. "Kingler's huge claws are sure to do the trick. Boy, I'd hate to be one of those vines right now!" "Kingler, cut attack!" said Reiko. "KING!" said Kingler as it tried its best to snip away all the vines, but they were just too strong even for the mighty Kingler. It only ended up hurting its claws on the sharp thorns. "My poor little Kingler!" cried Reiko as she started to bandage up its sore claws and then put it back in its ball. "I'm sorry Came-chan", sighed Reiko. "But it looks like we now both have Pokemon that need treatment right away." "Don't worry Reiko", said Cameron in a comforting voice. "It's just that these vines must come from the planet Krypton! They're as strong as steel!" "Strong as steel?" said Tracey smiling. "I know just the Pokemon for this job!" and he took out a Pokeball and released a new Pokemon our heroes have never seen before. It looked like a huge praying mantis shaped robot with red skin made of steel and huge metal pincers that made a loud sniping sound like scissors. Misty was about to scream at the sight of this huge metal bug but then told herself that she wasn't going to complain anymore today. "Is that a Scyther?" asked Ash. "Even better", said Tracey proudly. "It's the evolved form of Scyther. A Scizor!" "Scizor!" said the bug ready to obey Tracey's orders. "Scizor", said Tracey. "I need you to use your metal claw attack to cut away those vines. Can you do that for me?" "SCIZOR!" said Scizor as it started to snip away every vine like they were made of thread. "Wow! That's amazing!" gasped Cameron as he pointed his Pokedex at the busy Scizor. "SCIZOR: The scissors Pokemon. The evolved form of Scyther", replied Dextra. "It swings its eye-patterned pincers up to scare foes. They make it look like it has three heads." "I always thought Scyther didn't have any evolutions", said Cameron. "It seemed that way at first", said Tracey. "But one day, someone invented a device called a metal coat. If you put it on certain Pokemon, they have the power to evolve into a new type of Pokemon known as steel." "Steel Pokemon?" said Ash. "That sounds neat!" "Yes", smiled Tracey. "Steel types have been showing up in this world just recently. Someone gave me a metal coat for my birthday one day and I gave it to my Scyther. And one day, it suddenly evolved into a Scizor. And both of us couldn't be happier!" "SCIZOR!" called out Scizor showing everyone that it had completely cut away all the vines making the path perfectly clear. "Thanks Scizor", smiled Tracey as he pulled the smiling Scizor back into its ball. "Come on guys", said Tracey. "The path to the Pokemon center's now clear." "Thank you Tracey", said Cameron. "Now we can get help for VP." "Yes, arigato Tracey", said Reiko. "And we can get the same aid for my Kingler too." And they all hurried through the jungle to get to that Pokemon center. Just then, a horde of Victreebels dropped down from the trees and surrounded our heroes. "BEL!" they all screamed in mean, screechy noises. "Uh oh", said Ash nervously. "I don't think these are friendly fauna!" "Where's James's head when you need it?" asked Cameron. The Victreebels immediately spat out some kind of purple powder into the air and it was about to fall down on our heroes. "What's that stuff?!" gasped Misty. "I've seen that stuff many times at the Fuchsia gym", cried Reiko nervously. "That's poison powder! Quick everyone, duck down and cover your mouths and noses!" and that's what they all did. "Quick Scizor!" cried Tracey as he released the steel bug again. "Remove that poison with a swords dance!" "SCIZOR!" shouted Scizor as the poison powder sprinkled itself all over Scizor's body. Then it started to spin around really fast like a tornado blowing away all the powder. "Nice job Scizor!" said Tracey now getting up. "Now get rid of those Victreebels with your fury cutter attack!" "SCIZOR!" shouted Scizor as it started snipping at every Victreebel it saw causing most of them to faint. But it seemed like more of them were dropping from the trees. "Growlithe!" pleaded Reiko. "You have to defeat those Victreebels with your flamethrower! I know you only obey Officer Jenny, but if you won't listen to me. Do it for Cameron. Please!" "GROWWL!" howled Growlithe as it breathed fire on the remaining Victreebels causing them to hop around in a flaming panic. The combined powers of Scizor and Growlithe were too much for the poor Victreebels that they grabbed their fainted members and ran off into the darkness. "Yeah, that's showing 'em guys!" said Tracey. "SCIZOR!" "GROWWWL!" said both Scizor and Growlithe proudly as they high fived each other with their claw and paw. "Yes, thank you my dear Growlithe", smiled Reiko as she was about to pat it. But Growlithe just growled at Reiko for it didn't want to get attached to her right now for it was a police dog still on duty. "Tracey, how come your Scizor didn't get poisoned?" asked Cameron. "I saw it get covered with that powder." "That's because steel types are immune to poison attacks", said Tracey as he proudly patted Scizor on the back. "That's one of the advantages of owning these new steel type Pokemon." "That certainly spells trouble for my siblings", said Reiko imagining trainers bringing their steel Pokemon to her siblings' gym wanting to battle their poison Pokemon. "Well come on everyone", said Misty. "Those Victreebels could come back if we hang around here. We've got a Pokemon center to get to!" and so everyone continued their journey to the Pokemon center. * * * * * * Our heroes were walking deeper and deeper into the darkness of the jungle until it became completely black. "I can't see my hand in front of my face!" said Ash. "Pika, Pi, Pikachu, Pi, Chu!" said Pikachu saying the same thing, but talking about his paw though. "I'm afraid that if we don't get some kind of light, we'll get lost", said Tracey. "Buzz, how about lighting this place up with your flash?" said Cameron as he released Buzz. "BUZZ, EL BUZZ!" said Buzz as a shining light flashed and everything became bright. Our heroes found themselves in some kind of abandoned camp with ragged tents, broken cages, and what looked like a Rhydon statue knocked over and smashed. "What is this place?" said Misty nervously. "This looks like some kind of Pokemon P.O.W. camp", said Tracey as he started making sketches of the entire camp. "P.O.W. camp?" asked Cameron. "As in prisoners of war?" "Yes", said Tracey. "You see, back in the days of Pokewar II, the countries of Kanto and Ryooku were in a violent war. Most of the horrifying battles happened right here in the Tabasco Jungle. Some of the Kanto troops had sent their Pokemon out in the battlefield, but had gotten captured by enemy Pokemon soldiers and taken to this camp where they tortured, starved, and sometimes... Well you get the picture." "Gee", said Cameron. "That's horrible." "It sure was", said Ash. "I remember having to learn about Pokewar II back when I was in school. The stuff I learned gave me nightmares until I was 10." "The same goes for all of us", said Misty as she placed her hand on Ash's shoulder while Tracey and Reiko sadly nodded. Cameron couldn't really feel emotional with them for he never learned about Pokewar II since he was a stranger to this world, but he did understand was that all wars stink. "Poor Buzz", said Cameron. "And you were part of that war too. I can just imagine how you feel. Uh Buzz? Buzz?" Buzz wasn't listening to a word his master was saying. His eyes were swirling around flashing back to his harrowing war days. START OF FLASHBACK Lt. Surge had sent Buzz to lead a troop of Pikachus into battle. Buzz and his Pika-troops were cautiously marching through the jungle getting ready to strike at any enemy Pokemon that would jump out and ambush them. Sure enough, that did happen. Buzz ordered the Pikachus to shock the enemies, but unfortunately, the enemies were a platoon of Rhydons and the electric attacks couldn't get through their thick rocky skin. The Rhydons had seized Buzz and the Pikachus and took them to their P.O.W. camp where they did terrible, unspeakable things to Buzz and his troops. For many months, they kept them locked in cramped cages, fed them nothing but gruel. Actually the Rhydons ate all the gruel while they gave the prisoners bowls to eat. They worked them day and night with bullwhips making them scrub their rocky backs, shine their horns and build a huge rock statue of a Rhydon wearing a crown and robe. One time, they did something to Buzz just for a cruel laugh. A Rhydon had pulled out an electric razor and started shaving all of Buzz's fur off making him look like a pink hairless cat. They even put a mirror into Buzz's cell so he could see himself without his precious striped fur. Taking away a soldier's stripes was pure torture for humans and Pokemon alike. But luckily, Lt. Surge and his human troops had stormed into the hidden camp, defeated the Rhydons, and freed Buzz and the Pikachus. Buzz slowly approached Surge, saluted, and let out a weak, "BUZZ EL BUZZ!" "Don't say another word private", said Surge looking at the hairless Electabuzz. "You've done all you could to serve your country." And he sucked Buzz back into his Pokeball. END OF FLASHBACK Buzz just couldn't take all these painful flashbacks. "BUUUZZZZZ!" he shouted as he started blasting thunderbolts at everyone and everything not caring what he hit just as long as no enemy Pokemon would catch him and torture him. "Buzz, please stop this!" cried Cameron, but got electrified in the process. Cameron then saw Buzz running off into the jungle while shooting out more bolts. "What has gotten into Buzz?" said Cameron as he and the others started to run after the mad Buzz. "I guess seeing that camp has brought back painful war memories for Buzz", said Tracey. "During my travels, I've met war veterans who've been turned psycho and paranoid thanks to that terrible war." "And Buzz's one of those poor victims", said Cameron now understanding while trying to catch his runaway Electabuzz. "Don't worry Buzz, come back and we'll get you all the help you need!" "How are we supposed to find Buzz in this huge jungle?" asked Misty. "Easy", said Ash. "Just follow the flashing thunderbolts Buzz is producing." "Pika, Pi!" said Pikachu thankful that he never had to be part of that war. As our heroes kept running through the jungle, they heard a loud, "SPLASH!" "BUZZ?!" cried Cameron as he hurried even faster and came across a funny looking pond filled with sparkling water. "You don't suppose Buzz stepped in there and drowned?!" gasped Cameron as he was about to reach into the water until Tracey stopped him. "No Cameron!" he said. "I've heard about this water. You musn't touch it or even sniff it!" Just then, something bubbled from the water. Everyone stepped back as something emerged from it while crawling back on land. "BUZZ!" said Cameron happily as he saw his Electabuzz slowly stepping on land with his fur all damp. "Buzz, are you all right?" asked Cameron. "Buzz El Buzz!" said Buzz in a weak voice while saluting with his dripping arm. "I guess a little dip in the water was all he needed", said Misty. "I know that always works wonders for me." Cameron was about to hug Buzz until Tracey tackled him. "No, don't touch him!" cried Tracey. "Why not?" asked an annoyed Cameron. "He needs some attention after what he went through!" "Look!" said Tracey as he pointed to Buzz who looked like he was shrinking. "It looks like he's DEVOLVING!" gasped Ash. Sure enough, Buzz had suddenly shrunk back down to a baby Electabuzz. He still had his yellow and black striped fur, but his body was now egg shaped, he had a cute little face and two long bumps on his head that resembled a plug. "What've you become Buzz?!" cried Cameron as he took out his Pokedex and aimed it at the baby Buzz. "ELEKID: The baby form of Electabuzz", replied Dexeena. "Even in the most vicious storm, this Pokemon plays happily." The little Elekid started crying while Cameron ran to coddle him, but was stopped by Tracey again. "You can't touch him!" said Tracey. "He still has that water on him! If it gets on you, you'll become a baby too or even smaller than that!" Cameron then imagined the cute little embryo with glasses he might become. "We have to dry him off before he gets any younger!" said Tracey. "Quick Zubat!" cried Cameron as he released his bat. "You have to blow dry Buzz fast!" "Bat?" said Zubat surprised that this cute little fellow was the same hard-core Electabuzz. "I'll explain later!" pleaded Cameron. "Please, dry him off!" "BAT!" said Zubat as she started flapping her wings blowing every droplet of the dangerous water off of Elekid. "Bri!" cooed Elekid now happy that he was dry and had a nice breeze on him. He saw Cameron, jumped into his arms, and snuggled his plug-shaped head into his master's chest, then electrified him. "Came-chan!" cried Reiko. "Are you all right?" "I'll be okay", said Cameron a little singed. "But I don't know about poor Buzz, or do I start calling him Kid now? Just what was that stuff he fell in Tracey?!" "That there's the legendary Fountain of Freshness", said Tracey. "It is said that if any living creature falls into it, the aging cycle reverses for them and they become younger and younger until, POOF!" "POOF?!" they all asked. "It's not a pleasant thought, isn't it?" said Tracey sadly. "Your Electabuzz was lucky Cameron. It only devolved back into an Elekid." "I never knew Pokemon could devolve", said Ash. "I always thought they just evolved." "Pika, Pi!" said Pikachu nervously as he jumped on top of Ash's head not wanting to go near that water. "Shrew!" said Sandy getting behind Cameron's feet for he just hated being near any kind of water. "My poor little Buzz, er, Kid", said Cameron sadly. "I don't know Cameron", said Misty. "I kind of think Elekid's much cuter than Electabuzz." "How am I gonna get poor Buzz back to normal?" said Cameron nervously as the label on the Pokeball transformed itself from Electabuzz to Elekid. "Perhaps the nurse at the Pokemon center can help", said Reiko. "Yes, that right Reiko", smiled Cameron as she hugged her. "Hopefully that center will have a Nurse Joy working there. All Joys are supposed to be great experts in curing any kind of Pokemon disease. Maybe even reversed aging." "And you're in luck!" said Tracey as he pointed north. "Because I see it right between those huge trees!" "Well then lets get going!" said Cameron as he sped off in that direction while Sandy chased after him. "He reminds me of you Ash", said Misty as she and the others tried to catch up with him. "Me and Pikachu never left you and Brock in a pile of dust when we were traveling, did we?" asked Ash. "Pika!" said Pikachu agreeing with Misty for his memory was a lot sharper than Ash's. * * * * * * Our heroes had finally reached a small building in a jungle clearing that said, Last Chance Pokemon Center and Mart. "Almost like a 7- Eleven", thought Cameron as he and the others stepped inside where a Nurse Joy greeted them at the counter. "Welcome to the Tabasco Jungle Pokemon center", smiled Joy. They noticed that this Nurse Joy had on a different uniform just like the Ryooku Jennies did. She had the same usual nurse's cap, but she was also wearing a white turtleneck with matching slacks, and a pink apron with a red cross on the front. "Did you all just defeat Amanda for a Vine Badge?" she asked sweetly. "Uh, yes I did", said Cameron as he pulled out a small carrying case and showed her his first Ryooku Badge he won. "Congratulations", smiled Joy. "And I bet your Pokemon could sure use some treatment after battling hard for you." "Two of them really need your help bad", said Cameron as he gave her VP's Pokeball. "I have a Vileplume that just got its petals shredded from clearing away a really tough cluster of thorns." "The same goes for my Kingler", said Reiko as she handed Joy a ball. "Oh, you must've come across those pesky Titan Thorns", said Joy. "TITAN THORNS?!" said everybody. "Yes", explained Joy. "No mere cut attack can clear away those mighty weeds. Only something called a metal claw attack can do that job." "Just like my Scizor did", said Tracey. "Well you were sure lucky you had one in your group", smiled Joy. "Don't worry. We'll heal your Vileplume and Kingler back to health. Do you have any more Pokemon that need aid?" "Yes", said Cameron. "This one especially", and he released Elekid from his ball who just cooed happily at Joy while clapping his cute furry hands. "Aw, he looks so happy and healthy!" smiled Joy as she cradled him. "What could possibly be wrong with this little angel?" "He used to be an Electabuzz", said Cameron sadly. "Until he fell into the Fountain of Freshness." "Oh dear", said Joy seriously as she put Elekid back down on the counter. "I don't like the sounds of those two words", said Ash. "Does this mean you can't help him?" "Uh, Blissey", said Joy as she handed the two balls to what looked like a Chansey, but looked a lot fluffier. "Please take care of this Vileplume and Kingler for me. I have something I need to tell these kids." "Blissey", said Blissey. "Blissey?" asked Cameron as he took out his Dex. "BLISSEY: The Happiness Pokemon. The evolved form of Chansey", said Dextra. "It's very compassionate. If it sees a sick Pokemon, it will nurse it back to health. "Wow, I didn't know Chansey's could evolve too", said Misty. "Blissey evolutions were just discovered a couple of years ago", said Joy. "They've been known to have better nursing skills than Chanseys." "BLISSEY!" smiled Blissey as she put the two balls into her pouch and headed off into the medical room while making gentle rocking motions while singing a lullaby in Blissey language. "You're right", said Ash. "I've never seen a Chansey give that kind of care to Pikachu." "Pika!" said Pikachu in a jealous voice. "Would you all follow me please?" said Joy as she picked up Elekid and led them to a door on the left. "Welcome to my Pokemon nursery", said Joy as she showed them into a room with cute little posters on the wall, huge alphabet blocks on the floor, and lots of baby Pokemon running around and playing. "Oh, they're so cute!" said Misty with stars in her eyes. She then noticed Togepi jumping out of her arms and going off to play with some of the babies. Elekid did the same too. "I've never seen so many Pokebabies before", said Ash. Just then, he felt a little baby Magmar cuddle its warm body against Ash's leg. "Wow, is that a baby Magmar?" he asked. "Actually, that's a Magby", said Joy. "The starting form of Magmar." "Wow, I didn't know Magmar had a starting evolution too", said Cameron as he aimed his Pokedex at the fiery baby. "MAGBY: The baby form of Magmar", replied Dextra. "It's found in volcanic craters. Its body temp. is over 1100 degrees, so don't underestimate it." "You look like such an innocent little baby", said Ash. "Mag!" growled Magby for it didn't really like being called a baby. It spat an ember attack at Ash's sneaker causing him to hop around and shout, "OW! HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!" "PHAN!" called out a tiny elephant as it squirted water on Ash's foot putting out Magby's work. "Thank you kid", said Ash as he picked up the elephant while it hugged Ash's arm and made a cute little. "Phanpy!" "Phanpy?" gasped Cameron as he took out his Dex again. "PHANPY: The baby form of Donphan", replied Dextra. "It swings its long snout around playfully, but since it's so strong, that can be dangerous." "You don't suppose that little Phanpy was once...." Gasped Cameron. "No, I don't think so", said Tracey as he took Phanpy and studied it. "This one isn't Donnie." "Thank goodness", said Cameron relieved that his old Donphan didn't become a victim of the fountain too. "SHREW!" giggled Sandy. Cameron looked down and found Sandy happily laughing. He was getting tickled by a baby Jigglypuff and a baby Jynx. Cameron activated his Dex once again. "IGGLYBUFF: The baby form of Jigglypuff", said Dextra. "Its extremely flexible and elastic body makes it bounce continuously-anytime, anywhere." Then Cameron pointed Dextra to the baby Jynx. "SMOOCHUM: The baby form of Jynx. It rocks its head slowly backwards and forwards as if it is trying to kiss someone." "Aw, look at Togepi!" said Misty as she pointed to Togepi who was wiggling its tiny hands around with a baby Clefairy. Cameron activated his Dex yet again. "CLEFFA: The baby form of Clefairy", said Dextra. "When numerous meteors illuminate the night sky, sighting of Cleffa strangely increase." "What's Cleffa doing with my Togepi?" asked Misty. Suddenly when Togepi and Cleffa had stopped wiggling around, a huge ice cream sundae magically appeared right between them. "Wow!" said Tracey amazed. "It looks like Cleffa has taught Togepi the magical metronome technique." "Togepi now knows an attack?" said Misty delighted. "For years I've tried to teach it an attack, but with no luck. Who would've thought a baby would end up teaching my little Togepi?" "Pika, pi!" said Pikachu. Ash looked down and saw Pikachu giving a piggyback ride to a little baby Pikachu. "Pikachu, who's your new friend?" asked Ash smiling at the neat sight. Cameron took out, aw you know what he'll do! "PICHU: The baby form of Pikachu", said Dextra. "It is not yet skilled at storing electricity. It may send out a jolt if amused or startled." "Wow", smiled Ash as he picked up Pichu. "Even Pikachu has a starting form. You're really cute and friendly", and he started tickling Pichu's fuzzy tummy. "CHUUU!" cried Pichu for it really didn't trust Ash like the way his own Pikachu did. It shocked Ash causing him to yelp and drop Pichu back on Pikachu's back. "Just like when we first met, right Pikachu?" said a singed Ash. "Pika, pi!" sighed Pikachu while Pichu giggled. "Where's Buzz, I mean, Elekid?" said Cameron nervously. He then saw Elekid having a cute little wrestling match with a little human-like Pokemon wearing boxing shorts. "What is that?" asked Cameron. "TYROGUE: The baby form of the Hitmon family", said Dextra. "Even though it is small, it can't be ignored because it will slug any handy target without warning." "The Hitmon family?" asked Ash. "You mean that Tyrogue will one day evolve into either a Hitmonlee or a Hitmonchan?" "Yes", said Joy. "And there's also a third evolution known as..." "NO, DON'T!!" Cameron interrupted as he saw Tyrogue about to launch a flying kick at Elekid. Cameron quickly slid across the floor and lifted Elekid into the air just as Tyrogue had kicked Cameron in the stomach. "Came-chan!" cried Reiko as she cradled Cameron in her arms while Cameron cradled Elekid. "Are you all right?" "I'll be fine my radiant Reiko", said Cameron in a tiny voice for Tyrogue had really kicked him hard. Reiko approached Tyrogue with a stern face and brought him over to her. "You know little one", said Reiko. "Like the Cubone that uses a thrash attack, but ends up carelessly hurting himself. Young Pokemon like yourselves should take it easy on others that are much younger and less experienced than you. Do you understand?" "ROGUE!" said Tyrogue as he smiled and hugged Reiko happily. "I believe he's gotten the picture" smiled Reiko for it felt good being friendly and wise instead of evil and foolish. "Where did all these Pokebabies come from?" asked Misty. "You're looking at the poor victims of the Fountain of Freshness", said Joy sadly. "Normally, the Pokemon native to this jungle know to stay away from that fountain. These were obviously Pokemon that had been abandoned by their trainers with no knowledge of the fountain. One day, I saw them crawling around with that very water dripping from their bodies. So I dried them off before they got even younger and turned this room into a nursery for them." "Is there any way to cure them?" asked Cameron. "Especially my poor Elekid?" "No, I'm afraid not", said Joy. "There is no known cure for the Fountain of Freshness. Your Elekid and all these other babies will just have to relive their childhoods." "Buzz, I mean, Elekid!" said Cameron sadly. Elekid didn't seem sad at all. He was happily playing around with his new friends. "Cheer up Came-chan", said Reiko as she put a hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps like the Poliwhirl that loses its powerful tail but ends up getting strong hands in the process. This might be good for Elekid." "Why do you say that?" asked Cameron. "Observe my love", smiled Reiko as she walked over, bent down, and stroked Elekid's bumpy head. "Bri!" it cooed. "Tell me my little kid", smiled Reiko. "Do you remember anything about Pokewar II?" "Bri?" asked Elekid as he scratched his head and a spark shaped like a question mark popped out of it. He then heard the other babies call him over so he left Reiko and continued playing with them still very happy. "See?" said Reiko. "Now that your Electabuzz has devolved into an Elekid, he seems to have forgotten all his traumatizing war experiences." "Say, you're right", said Cameron now smiling as he saw Elekid dancing and playing around happy without a care in the world. "He's no longer the smug, military obsessed, jerk I've gotten used to." "Say, I wonder if that fountain will work on girlfriends?" wondered Ash. "What's that supposed to mean?!" growled Misty as she grabbed Ash by the collar. "Uh, nothing sweetie", said Ash sweating. "I was talking about a another boyfriend who's having problems with his girlfriend." "Who?" demanded Misty. Ash desperately tried to think of a couple until something blasted its way through the ceiling. It was Team Rocket holding some weird bazookas. They started reciting their usual motto while Ash sighed and whispered. "Whew! Saved by the dumbbells!" "You three could've come through the door", scolded Joy. "Didn't you see the open sign on it?" "Please", scoffed Jessie. "Coming through open doors is beyond our style!" "Yes, were the fearful Team Rocket", said James. "We prefer the element of surprise." "And wait'll we introduce you to our little surprise package!" laughed Meowth as he and the other two Rockets shot some nets out of their bazookas trapping the humans and pinning them to the floor. Sandy, Pikachu, and Growlithe saw what those Rockets did and they started to charge right at them. "It's time for our second surprise!" said Jessie as the Rockets turned the dials on their bazookas and shot something else at the 3 Pokemon. Suddenly Sandy, Pikachu, and Growlithe found themselves locked in tiny cages. Pikachu tried to shock himself out while Sandy tried to slash himself free, but with no luck. Even Growlithe's fire didn't work for the cage was made from fireproof metal. "HA HA HA!" laughed James. "It looks like you don't have any more last minute rescuers!" "It's a good thing we came across that abandoned P.O.W. camp", said Meowth. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten these neat cages." "And now to do away with all of you for good!" cackled Jessie. "Go Arbok!" and she released her Arbok. "Go Girafarig!" said James. But Girafarig's tail just chomped on James's head again while Girafarig's tail grabbed James by the pants trying to pull him free. "No, please, stop you two!" he pleaded. Jessie and Meowth sighed as they pulled James free while Girafarig's head and tail started to have a fight with each other. "Hey, look who just popped up!" said Meowth as he pointed to all the Pokebabies looking mean-eyed at all of them. "Isn't that cute!" sighed James. "These tots of terror want to battle us big bad Rockets. Oh what are we ever to do?" "I just thought of a new idea for a Saturday morning show!" said Jessie with stars in her eyes. "The Pokebabies! Just think of it, little versions of the Pokemon kids know and love in all sorts of kiddie adventures along with lots of merchandising! What do you say kids?" she asked as she bent down at a Magby. "Mag!" growled Magby as it spat some fire at Jessie's face charring it black. "AUGGGH!" she screamed. "I'll kill that burning brat!" "Please Jess!" pleaded James. "It's just a baby." "No matter what age group, it is still unforgivable to mar the most beautiful face in the world!" hollered Jessie as the babies held each other in fear. "Arbok, poison sting those squirts!" "NOOO!" cried Joy from her net. "I gotta do something!" shouted Tracey as he opened up a Pokeball. Arbok had just spat out its poison needles, but something red had flashed by taking the attack meant for the babies. There they saw Scizor hovering in front of the Rockets with the needles stuck in its steel body not poisoning it one bit. "Have we been invaded by alien robot bugs?" gasped Meowth. "Well, we're gonna send that thing back into outer space!" growled Jessie. "Arbok, wrap attack!" "Scizor, double team attack!" commanded Jessie. "SCIZOR!" said Scizor as it split into ten Scizors. Arbok launched itself at one of the Scizors, but then it vanished. "Okay Scizors", said Tracey. "Now use your fury cutters all at once!" The nine remaining Scizors started to cut and slice at the single Arbok causing it to faint. "Arbok, return!" growled Jessie. "James, get that dumb Girafarig of yours to stop fighting each other and fight those bugs!" "Okay guys, break it up", said James as he grabbed a nearby broom and pushed away Girafarig's fighting head and tail. "Those are your real enemies over there. Now finish off those bugs with your own double team attack!" "Giraf! Farig!" said Girafarig as it suddenly split into nine Girafarigs each facing a Scizor. "Okay, now each of you finish them off with a crunch attack!" commanded James. "Quick Scizors", cried Tracey. "Use your metal claws!" The battle between the bugs and the giraffes began, but when it was all over. All of the duplicates had vanished and all that was left was one victorious Girafarig and one chomped up Scizor lying unconscious on the floor. "Oh no, Scizor!" cried Tracey from his net. "Hey, maybe that Girafarig of yours ain't such a ninny after all Jim", smiled Meowth. "Now have it stomp out all those goody-goods", ordered Jessie. "Even the babies?" asked James. "But they're so cute!" But then Cleffa leapt up and started doubleslapping James's face. "Girafarig!" shouted James with a red, sore, angry face. "Turn those babies into flat brats with your stomp attack!" "GIRAF! FARIG!" said Girafarig as it tried to stomp on each of the babies but kept sliding out of the way of its powerful hooves. Then Smoochum blew a kiss at Girafarig's head causing it to yawn and fall right to sleep. "Farig!" grumbled the tail as it saw its head plopped onto the floor snoring. It felt very undignified having its head dragging along. "Don't give up now!" called out James. "Your rear end is still awake! Try out your crunch attack!" And Girafarig's tail did. Only it crunched on James's head as usual. "No, I meant the Pokebabies!" he wailed from inside the tail's mouth. Jessie and Meowth had managed to yank James free while Girafarig faced Elekid and Pichu. "Quick Buzz, I mean, Elekid!" called out Cameron. "Give it your thunderbolt!" "Bri!" shouted Elekid as he charged himself up and let loose a tiny static bolt at Girafarig not harming it one bit. "Oh no!" cried Cameron. "Now that he's a baby, his power must've shrank along with his age!" "Pi!" said Pichu as it tried its thunderbolt but only produced the same harmless static. "Aw, that's so pathetically cute", said Jessie evily. "I think you'll prefer the taste of them instead of my head", said James. "Girafarig, crunch those brats!" Everyone watched in fear as Girafarig's toothy tail was about to munch on the two electric babies. Elekid and Pichu suddenly held each other in fear, but suddenly a strong thunderbolt had electrified Girafarig completely knocking it out. "What just happened?!" cried James as he saw both Girafarig's head and tail out for the count. "That's what I'd like to know too", said Cameron. "Pi?" "Bri?", said both Pichu and Elekid together. "I believe I know", said Tracey. "Elekid and Pichu had somehow combined their electric powers together creating just enough electricity to take out Girafarig." "That's brilliant Mr. Wizard!" growled Meowth. "But can you guess what'll happen if two little yellow runts get in the way of my fury swipes?!" and he was about to slice up the two babies, until a blue ball and a pink ball ran him over flat. "I think the left tire's a little loose", said a flattened Meowth. "Where did those bowling balls come from?" gasped James. The two balls unrolled themselves and they turned out to be Phanpy and Igglybuff. "Nice rollout attack my little ones!" smiled Joy. "Phan!" "Buff!" said the two babies proudly. "Enough of this child's play!" grumbled Jessie. "I have some serious spanking to do!" and she pulled out a paddle from nowhere and was about to punish the nearest baby, until Togepi jumped out in front of her. "NO TOGEPI!" cried Misty. "Aw, my favorite Pokebaby wants to be my first personal ping pong ball", laughed Jessie. "Pi!" said Togepi as it wiggled its hands around. "That's right!" said Misty with hope in her eyes. "Cleffa has taught Togepi metronome! Now you're in for it Jessie!" However, all that Togepi's metronome could do was make ice cream cones appear in Team Rocket's hands. "Oh no!" moaned Misty. "The only thing Togepi can seem to do is metronome up ice cream!" "Hey, we're not complaining!" smiled Jessie, James, and Meowth as they gulped down their ice cream and then looked at our heroes with sinister chocolate covered smiles. "Now it's paddle time!" said Jessie evily as she was about to strike. Just then, Tyrogue launched a flying kick at Jessie knocking her through a wall. "Excellent attack Tyrogue!" said Reiko. Just then Tyrogue stood on his head and started evolving. He became a new kind of Pokemon Cameron had never seen before. He had two huge feet sticking up in the air, a pointy tail, and a round upside-down head with a point on top. He was standing on the tip of it and made a loud, "HITMONTOP!" "Hitmontop?" gasped Reiko. "Hitmontop?" asked Cameron as he managed to reach for his Pokedex. "HITMONTOP: The handstand Pokemon. One of the 3 evolved forms of Tyrogue", replied Dextra. "It launches kicks while spinning. If it spins at high speed, it may bore its way into the ground." "My babies are growing up so quickly", said Joy with tears in her eyes. "Doesn't the blood rush through your head when you make that pose?" asked Meowth as he stared at the upside-down Hitmontop. "He'll be seeing blood when we're through with it!" shouted Jessie as she pulled herself out from the hole in the wall. "James, send out your Weezing!" "Right!" said James as he released his Weezing. "All right Weezing! You're our last hope for victory!" said James. "Finish them all off with your poison gas!" "WEEZING!" said Weezing as it sprayed out green gas. Everyone covered their mouths except Hitmontop who started spinning around like a top really fast blowing away the gas. "What's that thing doing?!" gasped James as he quickly pulled Weezing back into its ball. Cameron aimed his Dex at the spinning Hitmontop once again. "RAPID SPIN", replied Dextra. "One of Hitmontop's specialty attacks. It's very useful when blowing away poisonous smoke, escaping tight bindings, and making its most powerful attack even more powerful. The triple kick!" "TRIPLE KICK?!!" gasped the Rockets as they counted each other and realized that there were exactly three of them. Which was perfect for Hitmontop. He spun right at them and kicked all three Rockets out through the hole in the roof they just made. "Maybe eating that ice cream wasn't such a good idea", cried James as he held his stomach while he and the other Rockets disappeared into the sky. "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they shouted. All the Pokebabies cheered for the proud Hitmontop. "TOP!" said the blushing Hitmontop as he stood right-side up and cut our heroes free from the nets with the point on his head. Then they approached the cages and released Pikachu, Sandy, and Growlithe. "You are the most brave and adorable kids I've ever known!" smiled Joy as she brought all the babies over and hugged them lovingly. "You were very powerful too Hitmontop", smiled Reiko as she bowed to him. "TOP", said Hitmontop as he bowed back to her. * * * * * * The next day, Blissey had brought Vileplume, Kingler, and Scizor back to Cameron, Reiko, and Tracey all healthy once again and it was time for them to continue their journey. "Bri!" cried Elekid for he was sad to leave his new friends behind, but then got over it when he jumped into Cameron's arms. "Don't worry Kid", smiled Cameron who just thought up the new name for his new devolved Pokemon. "The harrowing life you once knew is over. I plan on giving you a much more happier one." "Bri!" cooed Kid as he gave his master another affectionate shock. "What's going to happen to the rest of these babies?" asked Misty. "Don't worry", smiled Joy. "Blissey and I will take good care of them and maybe one day, they'll evolve back to their normal forms and I can give them to good caring trainers like yourselves." "And it looks like Tyrogue was the first", said Tracey as he pointed to the smiling Hitmontop. "Yes", said Joy. "It looks like I'll have to find him a good trainer now that he's a strong fighting type." "HITMONTOP!" shouted Hitmontop as he spun around grabbing Reiko and hugging her tightly while spinning her around as well. "You want me to be your trainer?" asked Reiko as she was still getting spun around. "TOP!" said Hitmontop as he stopped, letting loose a dizzy Reiko and bowing to her saying. "Hitmon", which meant, "Sensei!" "What do you say Reiko?" smiled Cameron. "Like the baby Pidgey that can't learn fly without an HM device or a caring mother. This Hitmontop could use a loving, kind teacher like yourself." Reiko blushed and said. "Okay my little spinner. I will be your sensei!" and she took out an empty Pokeball and pulled the smiling Hitmontop inside it. Then Reiko cleared her throat, held out her ball and said. "All right! Like the Weepinbell that catches a nutritious bug, I just got me a healthy, happy Hitmontop!" "Oh no", whispered Misty. "Not yet another Ash!" "At least my catch-phrase is shorter", said Ash. "We should celebrate with ice cream for everyone", smiled Misty. "Togepi, would you do the honor?" "Pi!" smiled Togepi as it wiggled its hands and scoops of ice cream that were as big as boulders fell on top of everyone. "I think I'll go turn up the thermostat", said Joy while they were all laughing and shivering. TO BE CONTINUED AUTHOR'S NOTE: Well how about that? Reiko gets a new Pokemon, one of Cameron's Pokemon has devolved, and Togepi has learned a new attack. Not really a powerful attack, but something that at least makes people happy. ^_^ See you soon with another chapter. ^_^