Chapter 1: Jolt Start, Part 1

Chapter 2: Jolt Start, Part 2

Korinku have been attacking Masago Town for the past week for no apparent reason. 10-year-old Hiro Matsuo is a new Pokemon trainer who has joined Professor Nanakamondo and Claire, his mother, to find the cause of this tragedy.

Nanakamondo had found a place of suspect and Hiro, following the directions of his wristwatch PokeGear, has found himself hidden in some bushes with his mother and the professor, spying on a large building, plotted in a relatively small clearing in the forest, hidden in an envelope of trees.

Chapter 3: Get Your Smile On!

Hiro was already sitting at his bedroom window, watching the sunrise before his alarm clock went off at 7:00. He was way too anxious to sleep. Today was the day he was finally going to start his Pokemon journey.

He pressed the OFF button on his clock and walked down the stairs to the kitchen for breakfast. His parents were seated around the rectangular table over a platter of eggs and toast.

Chapter 5: Born To Be Rivals

Hiro held his left hand over his eyes to shield them from the blinding lights that hung from the ceiling as he gazed across the raised platform at his opponent, Kamen. Countless students from the school, Crystal among them, anxiously watched for the start of their match. Professor Mamiji took her position on the sidelines with two flags in her hand, red for Kamen and green for Hiro.

Chapter 7: Buoysel Just Wants To Have Fun

Chapter 10: Absorbed in Love

After winning the Coal Badge in a fierce gym match against Hyouta in Kurogane City, Hiro sets his sights on the Hakutai Gym. Meanwhile, Crystal and Cherimu aim for the Sonoo Contest. The protagonists have just left Kurogane and are walking down a dirt path parting patches of lush green trees.

“Spearow!” a harsh shriek filled the area.

“What was that?” Hiro wondered aloud, looking around. He soon saw something small, blue and round down the path. A couple tiny birds were dive-bombing it with their beaks lowered.

“That Oddish is in trouble!” Crystal said. Cherimu watched on in her arms with a concerned look on its face.

“I can see that,” Hiro replied and took out a Pokeball. “I choose you, Naetoru! Use Razor Leaf to fend off the Spearow!”

The ball burst open and unleashed the green turtle-like Pokemon in a flash of white light. The twig on its head twisted and released numerous sharp leaves toward the bird Pokemon. Startled, the pursuers retreated, dodging the attack.

Hiro dashed to Oddish’s side and picked it up. Its eyes were closed and its breaths were harsh.

“It looks like we should get it to a Pokemon Center,” Crystal observed as she walked up to Hiro.

Hiro shifted Oddish into his left arm as he looked at the PokeGear on his right wrist, which showed a map with a dot signaling his location.

“There’s not one town near here,” he said.

“Oddish!”

The voice startled Hiro, who looked up to see a girl run up to them. Her brown hair was tied into a single ponytail and she wore a brown turtleneck sweeter and blue jeans. Hiro guessed by her height that she was at least three years older than him.

“Is this Oddish yours?” Hiro asked. “Some Spearow were-.”

“I saw the whole thing,” the girl replied. “Thanks and all that.” She reached into the yellow bag on her back and pulled out a Potion, then proceeded to spray the grass-type Pokemon with it.

Oddish twitched a bit and then opened its eyes. It leapt out of Hiro’s arms and started dancing around happily.

“You sure gave me a fright, Oddish,” the girl scowled. The smile on Oddish’s face was replaced with a frown, but the girl picked it up and hugged it and it was happy again. “I’m just glad to see you’re alright.” She turned to look over Hiro. “So, who are you guys, anyway?”

“Hiro Matsuo,” Hiro answered.

“And I’m Crystal,” Crystal added.

“My name’s Melanie,” Oddish’s trainer replied and looked from Naetoru standing at Hiro’s feet to Cherimu resting in Crystal’s arms. “I can tell by your Pokemon that you must also love the Grass-type.”

“I don’t take favorites when it comes to Pokemon,” Hiro said.

Crystal seemed to ignore him and turned to Crystal. “Are you an apprentice of Natane?”

“Who’s Natane?” Crystal replied.

Melanie gasped. “You don’t know Natane, the greatest grass trainer in all of Shinou?”

“Natane’s the Hakutai Gym Leader,” Hiro added from the sidelines.

Again, Melanie ignored him. “You’ve just got to meet her!” she said. “Every female grass trainer’s dream is to train under Natane.”

“Really,” Crystal said. “I’m actually trying to become a Pokemon coordinator and compete in the Grand Festival.”

“I guess you won’t be interested, then,” Melanie sighed and held up a fist. “We’re all about battling!” She took a Pokeball out of one of the side pockets of her bag. “Hey, why don’t I show you how strong a Pokemon can become under the training of Natane?” She tossed the ball and it burst open, releasing a Chikorita in a flash of white light. It wore a bright red ribbon around its neck that shimmered in the sunlight.

“Sorry, I’m not much of a battler,” Crystal replied.

Naetoru had made its way to Chikorita’s side. It blushed and had a dreamy look in its eyes.

“What’s up, Naetoru?” Hiro asked.

“Hmph, get away from my Chikorita, you common-trained weakling,” Melanie scoffed, picking up Chikorita, which stuck its nose into the air ignorantly, and then walked off without a word.

“She sure was rude,” Crystal said.

“Let’s just forget her and move on,” Hiro said and then noticed they were one short. “Hey, where’d Naetoru go?” He swiftly looked around in all directions, unable to see the young leaf Pokemon.

---

Naetoru was walking down another path in the forest. It heard a pair of voices that led him into the trees on the side of the path. It soon saw Zaire and Kaya, the troublesome duo of Team Galaxy. Zaire held a wire that was wound around Chikorita’s stomach.

“Honestly, I don’t think this one is worth it,” Kaya sighed. “Sometimes I think attacking random trainers and stealing their Pokemon is a waste of time.”

“But this is different,” Zaire replied. “How often do you see a Chikorita in the Shinou Region? The boss will be pleased.”

“He’s got agents in the Johto region where there are plenty of them.”

“Oh, right.”

Naetoru dashed toward the villains and slammed into Zaire with a Tackle attack. Though startled and sent stumbling back a bit, he didn’t relinquish his grip on Chikorita’s leach.

“What the, a Naetoru?” he said.

“It must be that kid’s,” Kaya scowled. “It’s always following us around.”

Before she could reach for a Pokeball, Naetoru unleashed a Razor Leaf attack on both of them. Kaya held her arms up in front of her face and retreated with her back to Naetoru. The leaves snapped the wire in two and Zaire joined her. Naetoru stood in front of Chikorita and glared at Team Galaxy.

Zaire growled. “You’ll pay for that,” he said and threw a Pokeball. “I choose you, Scorpi, use Pin Missile attack!”

In a burst of white light, the blue scorpion Pokemon appeared. It opened its pincer-like mouth and released a stream of needles toward the two Grass-type Pokemon.

---

“Naetoru, where are you?” Hiro shouted, while he and Crystal continued their search for the young leaf Pokemon.

“Chikorita!” a voice replied.

Hiro turned around to see Melanie wondering around.

“Hmph, the trash lost his Pokemon,” Melanie sneered.

“I wouldn’t be talking, it looks like Chikorita’s gone too,” Hiro replied.

“My Chikorita was stolen,” Melanie sniffed as a tear dripped down her eye.

“Team Galaxy, I bet,” Hiro said.

Suddenly, he heard a clanging noise. He, along with Crystal and Melanie, followed it to see a stream of leaves collide with a Pin Missile attack. However, more needles came behind the first attack. Naetoru leapt in front of Chikorita and the attack collided with its body.

“Naetoru, are you alright!” Hiro called, knelt down next to Naetoru and patted its head and then took out a Pokeball. “Korinku, I…”

Naetoru suddenly tackled Hiro’s arm which held the ball and it fell to the ground. Hiro looked to the grass-type to see it shaking its head.

“You want to keep fighting?” Hiro asked.

Naetoru looked at Chikorita, who wore a terrified expression on its face. Melanie dashed to its side, picked it up, and hugged it. The young leaf Pokemon looked back to Hiro and nodded.

Hiro smiled and stood up and glared at Team Galaxy. “Okay, use Absorb attack!”

A green light formed around Naetoru’s body as did Scorpi’s. Beams of an identical glow shot from the scorpion Pokemon and into Naetoru as the wounds caused by Pin Missile began to disappear.

“Absorb attack?” Melanie gasped. “You’re so lucky! I wish Chikorita could learn that. It’s always been my favorite attack.”

“Really,” Hiro said, looking back at Melanie and Chikorita.

Naetoru blushed as it looked back at them. Suddenly, Naetoru was tackled to the ground by its opponent.

“You’ve got to pay complete attention when you’re in a Pokemon battle, kid,” Zaire sneered. “Okay, Scorpi, give it a Poison Sting.”

The poison-type Pokemon flung its pointed tail toward its trapped opponent. Naetoru quickly pushed itself into the air, sending Scorpi flying off before the attack could hit.

“Alright, Hiro, Chikorita and I will finish them,” Melanie said as Chikorita leapt out of her arms. “Chikorita, use Solar Beam!”

Rays of light struck Chikorita from the sky and its body glowed brightly. It opened its mouth and a beam of light shot out toward Team Galaxy, sending them flying out of sight.

“Wow,” Hiro gasped, as Naetoru gaped at them. “And you were jealous of Naetoru’s Absorb attack.”

---

Hiro, Crystal, and Naetoru faced Melanie and Chikorita on a forked path that split into more forest.

“Well, meeting you has been, well, interesting,” Melanie said.

“You’re a pretty amazing trainer,” Hiro said and reached out his arm. “Now I know what I’ll be up against in Hakutai.”

Melanie’s arm shook as it grasped Hiro’s. “Well, don’t worry about it,” she said. “I’ve got more experience than the leader.”

Naetoru walked up to Chikorita and nudged it with its head. Chikorita replied by doing the same.

Crystal laughed. “It looks like Naetoru’s in l-o-v-e,” she said.

“Well, sorry, I’ve got to go,” Melanie said, picked up Chikorita and started running off in the opposite direction Hiro and Crystal were headed.

“She’s rude and weird,” Crystal commented.

“Eh, nothing to worry about,” Hiro smiled and patted Naetoru, who was looking down at the ground and kicking at the dirt, on the head. “Don’t worry, buddy. You’ll find that special person someday.”

Naetoru looked up at its trainer and smiled.

Chapter 11: Perappu Jam

“Come on, Hiro, stop following that machine and listen to me for once,” Crystal wined as she trudged behind Hiro down a dirt path in the forest. “I’m telling you, we’re going the wrong way.”

Hiro held his right hand up in a fist and pointed to the wristwatch wrapped around it. “This PokeGear is reliable enough,” Hiro said. “When has it ever let us down? If we follow the map on it, we’ll be out of this forest in no time.”

“You said that half an hour ago,” Crystal replied and looked over the trees towering above them on either side. “Wait a minute. We’ve passed this tree before.”

“What are you talking about?” Hiro asked, turning around to see Crystal walking up to a tree. “How can you tell?”

“It’s got a large scratch right here,” Crystal answered, pointing at three lines cut into the bark. “I told you. We’re going in circles. Now put the PokeGear away and I’ll get us out of here.”

“What makes you think you’ll do any better than the PokeGear?” Hiro retorted. It’s not like you’ve been here before.”

“No. But there are several tricks to finding your way through a forest.” Crystal pointed at a tree a fair few feet ahead. “For example, Hiro, what does that tree tell you?”

Hiro walked up to it and looked around it. To him, it was just like the rest of the trees, save a spot of moss plotted on the bark on one side of the tree.

“Not a thing,” he finally said.

Crystal sighed. “Do you see that moss?” she said, pointing at it. “Well, if we go in the direction it’s facing, we’ll find civilization.”

“How’s does that work and where the heck did you learn this stuff?” Hiro asked.

“I don’t know how it works out that way, but if you would’ve taken classes at Kotobuki Academy, they teach you wilderness survival tips,” Crystal said. “It’s a key skill to any Pokemon trainer. So, what do you think? Will you listen to me? We’ll get out of here a lot faster than following that electronic map.”

“I think you must be crazy to believe moss will show you the way to a town,” Hiro said. “I’m sticking with the PokeGear.” With that, he started walking down the path again.

“Fine, Hiro, you go your way and I’ll go mine,” Crystal shouted after him, angrily. “We’ll see just who gets out of this forest faster.” She stuck her forefinger in her mouth and then pointed it upward, felling the wind brush against it. “By the way Hiro, west is that way.” She pointed down a path that went to the left of the way Hiro was going.

“I know what I’m doing,” Hiro said and disappeared over the horizon without looking back.

For a few minutes, Crystal and Cherimu just watched the path Hiro had walked down. “I wonder if this is a good idea, Cherimu,” Crystal said and held onto the flower Pokemon a bit tighter. Her face squinted in deep thought. “Ooh… Hiro, wait up!”

She started running down the path after Hiro, but after about five minutes, she stopped, deciding he must either be too far ahead or went some other way she didn’t think of.

“Oh, Cherimu, where is he?” Crystal groaned, with a hint of anxiety in her voice.

Suddenly, a tiny blue bird hopped its way onto the path. Its neck was surrounded by a ring of white ruffled feathers and its black head seemed to be in the form of a musical note.

“How cute,” Crystal said, her voice a lot more cheery as she bent down to pat the Pokemon on its head. “It’s a Perappu. Hi!”

A scared expression formed on Perappu’s face as it pecked at Crystal’s hand and backed away. It then opened its beak and a soothing sound emitted from it.

---

Not too far elsewhere, Hiro was walking down another path with his eyes piercing through the map on the PokeGear.

“Maybe Crystal was right,” he sighed, when he heard Perappu’s voice. Wondering what it was, he followed the sound and saw Crystal and Cherimu sprawled on the ground. “Hey, Crystal, are you alright?” He ran to her side and nudged her.

Crystal’s eyes twitched and opened. “Hiro, you’re here,” she said dully and then leapt up. “Where’d that Perappu go?”

“I didn’t see one,” Hiro answered and Cherimu woke up and yawned.

“It must’ve escaped while we were asleep,” Crystal said and picked Cherimu up. “Darn, I wanted to capture it.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Hiro said. “We might find it again or maybe an even better Pokemon. Anyway, I’m sorry I got angry at you before. We should work together and we’ll get out of this forest.”

“Right,” Crystal nodded and started following Hiro. “Wait.” She walked off the path and gazed past the trees.

“What are you doing?” Hiro asked, backing up to her.

“I knew it,” Crystal said. “That must be the Perappu’s voice.” She started toward the direction she was looking.

“Wait, if it’s a Sing attack, it’ll just put you to sleep again,” Hiro said.

“Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Crystal replied and continued into the maze of trees.

Hiro sighed and followed her. The sound became quieter and eventually stopped. The two trainers soon came to a clearing. A large blue Pokemon with a flower on its back took up at least a fourth of the area.

“Wow, a Venusaur!” Hiro cried out in excitement.

A ring of Zigzagoon, Pidgey, and several other wild Pokemon formed the outskirts of the field. And facing Venusaur was none other that the musical note Pokemon Crystal was after. The entire group turned to face Hiro and Crystal.

A smile appeared on Perappu’s face and it nodded toward Venusaur. The seed Pokemon unleashed a stream of leaves toward it and Perappu took flight and flung its beak in all directions, cutting through the attack. It then flapped its wings and identical leaves appeared and flew upward. They collided and fell to the ground in little green specks.

As the flying Pokemon made a gentle landing in the grass, it began to sing in a soft tone, making Crystal and Hiro jump back. But after seeing the other Pokemon unaffected, they realized Perappu wasn’t using its voice to lull them to sleep. After completing the landing, it made a bow.

The wild Pokemon surrounding the field made cries in cheer. Crystal and Hiro smiled and started clapping.

“That Perappu’s one natural performer,” Hiro commented.

“That’s it; I’ve got to have it!” Crystal declared with a twinkle in her eye.

“Hold it,” Hiro gripped her shoulder before she could run into the field. “How could you capture such a thing? Can’t you see how happy it’s making the other Pokemon? And I don’t think it wants to leave anytime soon.”

“I guess so,” Crystal moaned, dropping her head. “I guess that’s why it attacked when I reached for it.”

Perappu looked over Crystal a bit before turning to Venusaur. The plant-like Pokemon nodded and it faced Crystal again.

“Crystal, it is alright. You may do battle with our young Perappu for the right to capture it. It will be sad for our star performer to leave the forest, but Perappu has always dreamed of joining a coordinator.”

The two trainers leapt up in surprise and looked at the combination grass and poison Pokemon. They hadn’t imagined it, Venusaur was talking their language.

“You can talk?” Hiro asked stupidly, having already known the answer.

“Yes, Hiro,” Venusaur nodded. “I have lived for a several hundred years. I have learned the tongue of humans so I am able to communicate with them. I have defended this forest against poachers and intruders. But, it is alright, Crystal, you may attempt to catch our friend, Perappu.”

“Wait, how do you know our names?” Crystal replied. “And how did you know I’m a coordinator?”

Venusaur laughed lightly. “I have ears all over the forest,” he said, looking from one Pokemon to the next. “The wild Pokemon here bring wind of any humans they find in the forest.”

Crystal just stood there for a bit before Hiro slapped her on the back. “Well, go ahead, Crystal,” Hiro said. “You wouldn’t shut up about how much you wanted to catch Perappu before.”

Crystal nodded. “Okay, Perappu, I accept your challenge,” she said and looked down at Cherimu. “Are you ready?” Cherimu nodded and leapt out of Crystal’s arms and glared at Perappu.

“Good luck,” Venusaur said to Perappu as the flying Pokemon soared forward and slammed into Cherimu with a Peck attack.

“Cherimu, are you alright?” Crystal called. Cherimu stood and shook its head to maintain balance, then nodded. “Okay, try a Magical Leaf attack.”

Shimmering multi-colored leaves sprouted in mid air and zoomed across the sky toward the musical note Pokemon. Perappu used another Fury Attack like it had against Venusaur and stopped the attack. It then flapped it wings to use a Mirror Move that produced another Magical Leaf attack toward Cherimu. The leaves sliced through the flower Pokemon’s body and sent it flying back.

“This isn’t looking good,” Hiro said.

“Tackle it, Cherimu!” Crystal cried.

As the flower Pokemon dashed forward, Perappu opened its beak and started singing again. This time, Cherimu fell to the ground, asleep. The bird Pokemon then slammed into it with another Peck attack. Cherimu slid across the ground and immediately bounced up to awareness.

‘Oh, what can I do?’ Crystal thought as she watched Cherimu dodge here and there to avoid Perappu’s Fury Attack.

“Crystal, try Leech Seed,” Hiro said. “It’s probably the riskiest attack you’ve got, but it’s the only thing that might win you this battle.” As Crystal looked back at him, he gave her a thumbs-up.

“Okay!” Crystal said and turned back to the battle. “Use Leech Seed attack, Cherimu!”

Cherimu leapt over Perappu as it soared low above the ground. Then, as Perappu was flying away from it, it opened its mouth. Several beams of light shot out toward the musical note Pokemon. However, Perappu flew past all of them before they hit the ground and sprouted into countless vines.

It turned around and started flying toward Cherimu again. The startled cherry blossom Pokemon unleashed another Leech Seed attack that collided with the charging Pokemon head on. Vines whipped out and wrapped around the flying Pokemon’s body. Energy was sapped from Perappu’s body as small beams of light that soared toward Cherimu as the musical note Pokemon fell to the ground.

“Finish it, Cherimu!” Crystal cried. “Tackle attack!”

Cherimu charged and slammed into Perappu, sending it flying back as the vines released it. It fell to the ground, motionless.

“Okay, Perappu, you’re mine!” Crystal cried and threw a Pokeball toward it. “Pokeball, go!”

The red-and-white sphere flew through the sky and slammed into the knocked out Pokemon. Perappu disappeared in a flash of red light as it was absorbed into the ball. The ball wobbled a few times before the red light on it went out.

“Yes! Cherimu, we caught Perappu!” Crystal cheered and made a victory sign with her fingers.

“Are you mimicking me?” Hiro sighed in the background.

“Hey, I thought I’d give it a try,” Crystal replied, laughing along with Cherimu.

---

Hiro and Crystal, with Perappu on her shoulder and Cherimu in her arms, faced Venusaur on the start of a path leaving the clearing.

“We’ll miss you, Perappu,” Venusaur said. “Good luck in your Pokemon Contests. Hiro, Crystal, if you follow this path it will take you straight out of this forest and you will soon see Sonoo Town.”

“Thanks, Venusaur,” Crystal replied as she and Hiro turned to leave and waved back at the seed Pokemon and the countless wild Pokemon around it. “And don’t worry; I’ll take great care of Perappu for you!”

Perappu smiled at its new trainer as the two protagonists followed the dirt path the led Crystal to her next contest, and possibly another chance at beating Ruby.

Chapter 12: It Went Data Way

Hiro and Crystal stood on the edge of the forest they had just spent the last couple of days in. Finally, they were looking ahead toward their destination, Sonoo Town.

“Well, we’re here,” Hiro said. “Let’s go get you registered for that contest.”

“Oh, right,” Crystal replied and followed Hiro into the town.

It had been a while since Hiro had been in a town as small as Sonoo was. It was dotted were several households and a few stores. They had no problem finding the Pokemon Center, decorated with its large, red “P”. As soon as they were through the sliding glass doors, Crystal walked up to the counter and asked the red-haired nurse on the other side for a registration form for the upcoming Pokemon Contest.

“Everything’s in order, you’re all registered,” Nurse Joy said as she accepted the completed form from Crystal. “The contest will begin at noon tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Nurse Joy,” Crystal said as Hiro handed the nurse the three Pokeballs containing his Pokemon for recovery.

---

“Alright, Perappu, let’s go!” Crystal cried as she tossed a Pokeball into the air.

The red-and-white ball burst open and released the musical note Pokemon in a flash of white light. It soared into a loop before making a gentle landing in the grass outside the town.

“Okay, that was a good entrance,” the rookie coordinator said as she clapped for her newly captured Pokemon. Then, a uncertain expression formed across her face. “Now, what to do next…?”

“You’ll think of something,” Hiro said, walking up to the field.

Crystal jumped and turned around. “Oh, you scared me, Hiro, I thought you were still at the Pokemon Center,” she said.

“I was looking for you,” Hiro replied. “This trainer at the center told me that this town is the home to the first ever Pokemon battle simulation center. Don’t you want to check it out?”

“Um… sure,” Crystal said, and recalled Perappu into its Pokeball. Picking Cherimu up in her arms, she followed Hiro back into the town.

---

The two protagonists soon found themselves standing before a three-story steel building. A sign was plastered with “Pokemon Simulation Battling Station”. A man dressed in a white suit and tie walked up to them.

“Welcome to Sonoo’s battle simulation site,” he said. “Can I help you?”

“What do you think, Crystal?” Hiro asked, turning to his friend and patting her on the back. “Let’s battle!”

“Okay!” Crystal replied, starting to sound excited about it.

The man led them to a large room filled with tall cylinder-shaped machines. He walked up to one and pressed a button. A glass door on it slid open.

“One of you simply steps inside here,” he explained. “Your mind will be downloaded into cyberspace where your battle will commence in a holographic battlefield. Unfortunately, the Pokemon you get will be random. We have yet to program it to control the Pokemon that come out. When your battle has ended or you have decided to abort, you will return here.”

“Alright, let’s do this!” Hiro said and walked into the machine. The door slid closed and he watched the guide and Crystal walk toward the next capsule before his world went blank.

---

The next thing he knew, he was facing Crystal from the opposite side of grassland under a clear blue sky. A small pond resided in the center of the battlefield. Crystal had a Pokeball in her hand.

“Alright, Crystal, are you ready for this?” Hiro shouted to her.

“You bet!” Crystal replied and threw the Pokeball. “Go, Pokeball!”

The ball burst open and released a beam of white light into the water. A small light-blue fish leapt out of the waves and dived back into the water.

“So, you got a Remoraid?” Hiro said as a Pokeball appeared in his hand from thin air. “Here goes nothing!”

The Pokeball collided with the ground and exploded, releasing a tiny yellow-orange insect. A needle poked out of its head and a tail.

“Ugh, I got a Weedle?” Hiro moaned sweatdropping.

“Tough luck on your part, I guess,” Crystal sighed. “Go, Remoraid, use Aurora Beam!”

Remoraid ducked its head out of the water and opened its mouth. A multi-color beam shot out and collided with the poisonous insect. Ice encased its body as both of the Pokemon disappeared.

“Weedle is unable to battle,” an electronic voice said from nowhere. “Contestants, bring out your next Pokemon.”

“Okay, time for my next Pokemon!” Crystal said as another Pokeball appeared in her hand. “I never knew Pokemon battles could be this exciting.”

“You only got a lucky shot in,” Hiro sneered, a red-and-white ball materializing in his palm.

“We’ll see about that,” Crystal replied and threw the Pokeball. This one unleashed a big, round pink Pokemon with big, green eyes, pointy white-tipped ears, and a white stomach. “It’s a Wigglytuff!” Crystal cooed. “It’s so cute!”

“Cute doesn’t win battles,” Hiro cried and threw his Pokeball. “Let’s go, Pokeball!”

---

“Hrm…”

The guide that had greeted Hiro and Crystal was gazing quizzically at a screen. Aside from showing Hiro’s and Crystal’s battle, a red “Virus Alert” warning was flashing on it.

“What’s wrong, professor?” a woman dressed similarly to him asked as she looked at the screen from behind him.

“I don’t know,” was all he could answer.

On the screen, Hiro’s Pokeball hit the grassy ground and opened up. The white light faded and revealed a majestic, brown furred canine. It wore a red and yellow mask on its face and had white hair streaming down its back.

“It’s an Entei!” the woman gasped.

“But how?” the man said. “The system isn’t programmed for legendary Pokemon!”

---

“I guess it’s my lucky day,” Hiro cheered and leapt into the air. “There’s no way I can lose this round. Entei, use Fire Spin!”

However, despite Hiro’s command, the volcano Pokemon just stood there and glanced blankly ahead.

A gruff laughing filled the area. The two professors from the simulation center heard it from the speakers, too.

“We’re terribly sorry, but your cybernetic Pokemon now belong to Team Galaxy!” the voice said.

The male professor was typing frantically on the keyboard in front of the computer they were watching from.

“Something happened,” he said. “The controls are jammed. I can’t do anything.”

Hiro looked around swiftly in all directions. “What’s going on?” he shouted.

“We will now commence our operation,” the voice said. “For our convenience we have locked all portals into cyberspace. Nobody can go in, nobody can leave. We need absolutely no interference while we try to upload any Pokemon we please from your simulations.” The voice cackled again as it faded.

The screen on the computer went black. The guide pounded a fist on it. “This is bad,” he said. “Everyone in cyberspace could be in trouble as long as those intruders have us blocked out.”

---

The scenery in Hiro’s and Crystal’s area went dark. They slowly walked up to each other. The Pokemon between them were about as still as statues.

“Crystal, are you alright?” Hiro called firmly, barely able to see anything.

“Yeah,” Crystal replied, terror seizing every ounce of her voice. “What can we do? Hiro, we’re trapped.”

“I know that,” Hiro scowled. “But that’s not our main concern right now. Crystal, if Team Galaxy has blocked access from the real world, we’ll have to fight from the inside. We can’t let them succeed in getting the legendary Pokemon.”

Suddenly, the area lit up again as if a ceiling light was switched on. A man dressed in a Team Galaxy outfit had joined them and was staring maliciously at the frozen Entei.

“Well, well, well,” he said. “It looks like I’ve found another Pokemon to add to our collection.”

He walked up to Entei and pulled out a small stick-like object. He swung his arm overhead as a string of light flew out of the device and wrapped around the legendary dog. Entei started to trash around, startling Hiro and Crystal.

“Let it go,” Hiro shouted and automatically added. “Entei, use Fire Spin!”

He had no idea why he said that, only that he did. However, the volcano Pokemon reacted and released a ring of fire that struck the Team Galaxy operative and sent him flying back. The light whip vanished.

“What the?” he gasped. “It obeys you?”

“I guess that’s because I’m its trainer here,” Hiro replied and glared at the villain with anger in his eyes that scared even Crystal. “Now, leave.”

“Heh, you think your hot stuff with that big legendary Pokemon behind you, kid?” the man sneered and pulled out another device like the one before.

“Entei…!” Hiro started but the villain interrupted him.

“Not so fast, there, Mr. Hero,” he said. “One false move and you can say good-bye… permanently. You see, we have control of this cybernetic universe now and you wouldn’t want me to… oh, let’s see… delete your mind now, would you?” He burst out laughing maniacally as Hiro froze, with his furious gaze still piercing through the Team Galaxy member.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 13: Better Sonoo than Later

Hiro scowled at the Team Galaxy member standing before him. He wore a slightly different uniform that Hiro grew familiar to seeing Zaire more often than he preferred. This one consisted of a gray vest and a blue jumpsuit underneath. His light blue hair spiked upward.

“Face it, kid,” he said and tightened his grip on the small device in his hand. “I’m an executive from Team Galaxy and we have control of this universe now. I just have to press a simple button to delete you from this world!”

“Arcanine, use Extremespeed!” a voice cried from nowhere.

An orange blur slammed into the executive’s back. He fell over onto his face. The device fell out of his hand and landed on the grassy terrain. His attacker, a tall orange canine with black stripes stomped its foot on it, shattering it.

“Flamethrower!” the voice called again. Hiro looked up the nearby hill and saw a kid about his age with short, green hair. He wore an orange buttoned up vest over a black long-sleeved shirt and matching pants.

Arcanine obediently opened its mouth and unleashed a stream of fire toward the Team Galaxy member. He leapt back and scowled before turning his back and running off.

“Good job, Arcanine,” the boy said, walking up to the dog Pokemon and rubbing it on the back. He then turned to Hiro and Crystal. “Are you two…?” His thoughts seemed to stray as his eyes traveled up to the volcano Pokemon at Hiro’s side with a look of surprise on his face. “So, they’ve already hacked legendaries into this world.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Hiro replied. “Who are you, anyway?”

The boy shook his head. “We’ve got to keep moving now that they know we’re here,” he said. “I’ll explain everything on the way.” He pulled himself over Arcanine’s back as his cybernetic Pokemon started at a dash.

“Come on, Crystal,” Hiro said. He did the same on Entei and grabbed Crystal’s arm, pulling her up behind him. “Let’s go, Entei!” At this, Entei started running after the boy and Arcanine.

“Okay, I’ll start with my name,” he said. “I’m Kyle, a character programmed into the game. These hackers are trying to program legendary Pokemon into the game and then uploading them in the same way your minds were downloaded into this world. If that were to happen, your world would be in danger.”

“I figured that much,” Hiro replied. He kept a tight grip on Entei’s mane, but found it hard to stay comfortable on the legendary dog’s back. “My name’s Hiro Matsuo, by the way.”

“Stop right there!” a voice shouted from above. The two steeds halted as their riders looked up. A massive winged dragon-type Pokemon, Salamence, descended next to them.

Hiro immediately recognized the man as a Team Galaxy member. The white of his shirt was replaced with sparkling silver and the shoulders stuck out farther than the regular ones. A crown was plotted atop the G on his chest. His squat face was covered in a beard and a mustache of brown hair. He had piercing green eyes that struck fear into those who looked into them and more brown hair around his head that spiked outward, leaving a bald top.

“I guess news of us spread quickly,” Kyle smirked. “That’s apparently the leader of these hackers. Hiro, let’s team up and do battle against him.”

Hiro smiled confidently and nodded. “Okay, are you ready, Entei?” he said, climbing down with Crystal as Kyle got off Arcanine. “Fire Blast!” the two boys called in unison.

Their fire-type Pokemon opened their jaws and released two star-shape blasts of dancing orange flames toward Salamance and its rider. The majestic dragon-type spread its wide wings and took flight, soaring above the pair of attacks as they hit the ground and exploded in a cloud of smoke.

“Such petit attacks,” the man said and held his arm up high. “Let me show you how it’s done.” A red-and-white Pokeball appeared in the palm of his hand and he threw it. “Go, Deoxys!” The ball burst open and a thin Pokemon with long, tentacle-like arms appeared. It glared at Hiro and Kyle and their Pokemon with a blank expression.

“Another legendary Pokemon,” Kyle scowled.

“Hold on,” Hiro said. “You aren’t supposed to get a new Pokeball unless your current Pokemon faints. And the Pokemon that comes out in completely random. How did he know what was going to come out?”

“Kid, we have complete control of this universe,” the man laughed. “Anything here will do my will. Deoxys, use Shadow Ball!” The psychic-type Pokemon held its arms together and a dark ball of energy appeared. It unleashed the attack and it hit Arcanine, sending the dog-like Pokemon flying backward. It slowly disappeared in a beam of light.

“No, Arcanine!” Kyle cried.

“Charge, Entei!” Hiro commanded and the volcano Pokemon dashed toward Deoxys.

Deoxys immediately started charging another Shadow Ball attack. Hiro wouldn’t let his gaze stray from the two clashing Pokemon.

“Hiro, there’s no way you can dodge Deoxy’s attack now,” Kyle said.

“I’m not trying to dodge,” Hiro replied. ‘I’m sorry, Entei, but this you is only data.’ “Entei, use Hyper Beam!” The legendary dog opened its mouth and unleashed an immense beam of energy that collided with Deoxy’s Shadow Ball attack, resulting in an explosion that sent Entei flying back. A protective orb formed around Deoxys and deflected the blow.

Entei fell to the ground and struggled to stand up. Deoxys simply drifted downward toward Entei, unharmed.

“Well, now,” the Team Galaxy member said as he walked forward. “I think Entei is weak enough to upload. Commence!” At this command, Entei’s body slowly began to transform into tiny beams of light that began to soar upward.

“No! Don’t!” Hiro roared and made to run to the smirking man before him, but Kyle grabbed his shoulder and held him back.

“We’re no match for him,” he said. “Come with me.” ‘If they can control the events of cyberspace, maybe we can.’ He held his arm out and a Pokeball appeared. He tossed it up and, as he wished, a graceful brown bird appeared in a burst of white light. After the trio got on Pidgeot’s back, the bird Pokemon took flight.

The Team Galaxy member laughed behind them. “That’s it! Run!” he yelled.

---

After a few minutes of flying, the group landed at the mouth of a cave. Kyle motioned for them to follow and Hiro and Crystal did so with Pidgeot right behind them.

“Why did we run?” Hiro demanded angrily. “We can’t let them keep this up. Not only is this world but our world is in danger, too!”

“Hiro, you can’t do anything as long as we don’t have any power,” Kyle simply replied without turning to face him and continued walking onward. “And you’re right. But at this point, you’ll be safer in your world, outside this cybernetic universe.”

“What are you saying?” Hiro asked.

“I’m saying I can get you out of here,” he said. “The programmers created an emergency exit here. I think it’s about time we put it to use.”

“No way,” Hiro roared and came to an immediate stop. “I’m not leaving until Team Galaxy is gone!”

“For once, Hiro, would you listen to someone else?” Crystal shouted. She was trying to keep herself out of this, but now she knew she had to step in or Hiro could be putting himself in danger. “This is out of your hands.”

Hiro let a low growl escape his lips, but reluctantly decided to follow them. They eventually came to a dead end. What looked to be a keyboard was on the stone wall. Kyle silently walked up to it and punched some keys. The wall perpendicular to him vanished and was replaced by a swirling, multi-color light.

Kyle sighed before saying, “There you are. Just step into the vortex and your mind will be re-uploaded to your body in your world.”

Crystal took a few steps forward before turning around to see Hiro hadn’t moved. “Come on, Hiro,” she said. “We’ve got to get out of here.” Hiro didn’t make any motion of response. “Hiro,” she moaned.

“Go,” Hiro finally said. “You’ve got a contest to win.”

“Come on, Hiro!” Crystal cried and a few tears began to flow from her eyes.

“Crystal,” Kyle said. “There’s no other way about it. I don’t know how you’ll talk Hiro out of staying and fighting Team Galaxy.” He placed a hand on Crystal’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he’ll come back safe and sound.”

Crystal sighed and finally nodded. With one last glance at Hiro, she started her walk toward the vortex again.

“Crystal!” Hiro said, holding a thumbs-up. “Good luck!”

Crystal smiled back at him and disappeared into the light. Kyle walked back to the keyboard and typed another message that made the vortex disappear.

The night was gone almost as soon as it had arrived. Both parties spent the time training for their pursuits. The sun rose over the realistic land Hiro’s mind was now in and he gazed over the plains outside the cave. Kyle came out and they nodded to each other, walking forward.

---

Crystal stood on the stage of the Sonoo Town Contest Hall, bathed in the bright spotlight with the rest of the contestants. She wore a long, yellow gown that glittered in the light and her hair was tied into the same looped ponytail she had worn in the previous contest. Cherimu wore a white scarf that wrapped around its body, save its head and arms.

“Crystal, is that you?” a voice chimed behind her. Crystal turned to see her blue-haired rival, Ruby. “I’m glad you made it. But I’m expecting a better appeal this time.”

“You won’t be disappointed,” Crystal smirked and turned back to the crowd, busy with their voting.

---

Hiro found himself ascending toward the snow-covered peak of a mountain on the back of a Tropius behind Kyle and his Pidgeot. As the ground of the peak became level with Hiro’s eyesight, he saw countless Team Galaxy members scattered about. A large, purplish Pokemon stood behind the man Hiro had just faced the day before instead of the DNA Pokemon.

“Ah! Welcome, Hiro and Kyle,” he said. “Might I introduce the legendary Pokemon of space? Say hello to the mighty Parukia!” The Pokemon at his side roared to the sky. “Once our little friend here is in the real world, we will soon conquer it.”

“Hiro, there’s only one Pokemon that could face it,” Kyle said. “And I’ve already told what it is.”

”Right,” Hiro replied and leapt off of Tropius as Kyle got off of Pidgeot. A Pokeball appeared in his hand and he threw it. “Go, Diaruga!” In a flash of white light, a tall, four-legged blue Pokemon appeared.

The Team Galaxy leader smirked. “So, you’re going to face us with that?” he said, laughing maliciously.

---

Crystal’s face appeared in the fifth slot of the finalists. Ruby was placed second behind a tall boy in a black suit with short, brown hair and his Machoke, who wore an identical suit and a pair of black glasses.

“And now that the finalists have been decided, let’s start the appeal rounds!” Kikian declared into the microphone in her hands.

After the first three contestants had appealed, Crystal stepped forward. Cherimu leapt from her shoulder and landed in front of her. Both of them felt much bolder than in the Shoubu contest.

“Okay, Cherimu, just like we’ve been practicing!” Crystal said. “Use Magical Leaf!”

Cherimu began to spin in circles. Numerous multi-colored leaves appeared and slowly drifted toward the floor. Continuing its spin, the flower Pokemon released several beams of light. The good majority of the Leech Seed attack collided with the leaves and exploded in bursts of light.

“Beautiful!” Kikian exclaimed and turned to the three judges on the sidelines. “Let’s see what our judges think.”

A combined total of 27.8 points appeared on the screen under Crystal’s picture. As the crowd applauded, Crystal turned confidently toward Ruby, who was waiting in the line of finalists.

‘Just you wait, Ruby,’ she thought. ‘With a score like that, I’m almost guaranteed a place in the battle rounds.’

---

“Fine, let the clash of the legendary Pokemon of space and time begin!” the Team Galaxy leader cried. Hiro pierced a fierce glare across the icy ground at the villain as Parukia and Diaruga dashed toward each other.

To Be Continued…