Chapter 5: Run like the Wind

Night had fallen outside the Petalburg Woods. The only light at the north end of the forest came from a flower shop just outside the densely wooded area. Apart from that light, it was almost pitch-black. There were no trainers lining the north end of Route 104 to Rustboro City at this time of night, the perfect cover for sneaky wrongdoers. Some rustling could be heard from the brush lining the sides of the route, and a group of men and women dressed in black uniforms with a big red 'R' on the front stepped out from their hiding spots. One of the men motioned for the group to huddle around him.

"Ok, our orders are simple," the man started. His voice was somewhat gruff. "The lone grunt we sent into the forest to steal the Devon research failed, so we get our chance. Now, either the researcher is still in the forest, or he's gone back to the Devon Corp. building. Our objective is to find the researcher and steal his research. From the lone grunt's report, the researcher is not alone. He's got some brats hanging around him, so we'll have to dispose of them if they get in the way. You got it?" The grunts all replied with a chorus of 'Roger'. "All right, let's get to work. Half of us will head into the forest, and the other half will head into Rustboro." The grunts dispersed, with half of the contingent heading back into Petalburg Woods to search for their target. The other half began to make their way stealthily to Rustboro City; they couldn't be seen or they risked blowing their cover and failing their mission. These Team Rocket Grunts had but one purpose: to fulfill whatever duties their superiors gave them for the glory of Team Rocket. As the Rustboro-bound half of the Rocket Grunt contingent crept their way to Rustboro City, they heard footsteps coming from the southwest. Instinctively, all of the grunts took cover in the brush and trees at the side of the road. Peering out from their cover, they saw what appeared to be the silhouette of a 14-year-old boy with a person in his arms. The boy was running at top speed towards Rustboro City. As the boy sped on by, the grunts slowly crept out of their hiding places. One grunt walked over to the grunt who had assumed control of this unit for the time being.

"Should we go after him?" the grunt asked. The grunt in charge of the unit mulled it over for a minute before responding.

"Nah, leave him be," he said. "He doesn't look like he'll hinder our mission at all."

"Roger that," the grunt said. The contingent began moving stealthily along the roadside again towards Rustboro. Suddenly, a loud snapping sound was heard as a grunt stepped on a twig in his path he couldn't see.

"Shit..." he cursed under his breath. The entire contingent froze in place and looked around to see if anybody had heard, but nobody was in the vicinity of them, so they dismissed it and continued sneaking along.

Footsteps echoed through the darkness as Eric ran like a lightning bolt towards Rustboro City, carrying a horribly sick Katrina in his arms. After accidentally inhaling spores scattered by a pack of wild Shroomish, Katrina nearly passed out and was scooped up by Eric. Now, Eric was rushing her to Rustboro City to find the hospital. Before that, they had been running from the Shroomish along with Josh and a researcher from Devon Corp. Eric was getting extremely tired from all the running, but he knew he had to keep going, otherwise it was likely Katrina was going to die in his arms. With sweat pouring from his face, he just kept running towards the lights of Rustboro City.

"Whew, I'm getting tired," Eric mumbled to himself. "But... if I stop... Katrina's gonna... no, what are you doing, don't think that way, you idiot... She'll be fine once you get her to the hospital. Just... don't... stop..." Eric had gotten into the habit of giving himself little pep talks occasionally so he would meet whatever goal he was aiming for. This was turning out to be a test of his will and strength. As he ran, he thought he saw something just off to the right. They seemed to be silhouettes of people retreating into the brush. 'Oh great, if those are more Team Rocket losers, they might try to slow me down,' he thought. Regardless, however, he just kept running. He began crossing a bridge over a small lake outside the city, drawing ever closer to it, when he suddenly heard a snapping sound behind him. He didn't bother to look back, but he could've sworn he heard somebody cursing under their breath. Worried that there were Team Rocket minions tailing him, he put in an extra burst of energy and sprinted across the bridge as fast as he could. To any onlooker, it would appear as if he just disappeared into the darkness as he bolted by because of the pitch-black of night. As he neared the end of the bridge, he felt his energy begin to drain more quickly and fatigue start to settle in. 'No... I can't... stop now...' he thought. 'I... have to... save... Katrina.' He suddenly tripped as he caught his foot between two planks of wood. Katrina flew out of his arms and into the air. Eric quickly tucked himself into a ball as he fell towards the grass at the end of the bridge and, in one fluid motion, rolled to recover. Without stopping for even a split second, he was back on his feet and running. He had slowed down just a bit so he could catch Katrina as she dropped from the air, but once she was safe in his arms, he sped up again, bolting towards the city. 'Tonight,' Eric thought, 'the Knight of the Wind shall complete his first true test...'

Back in the forest, Josh and the Devon researcher had just finished taking a short break and were on the move again, hoping to avoid trouble from any potential Team Rocket members in the area and get farther away from the dreaded Shroomish. Josh was acting as the Devon researcher's bodyguard for the time being, so he continually monitored the surroundings for any activity.

"Nothing so far," Josh told the researcher. "We're in the clear for now."

"That's good," the researcher replied, wiping a little sweat from his brow. "I'd quite enjoy it if we don't run into any more trouble on our way to Rustboro."

"I hear you, man," Josh responded. "I think I've had enough action for one day." Josh and the researcher continued along the forest path as they headed for the exit. Josh continued to look around in case there was any movement or any other activity in the trees or brush. After some time, they came to the exit.

"Ah, it looks like we're almost out," the researcher said.

"Yep," Josh replied. "Come on, let's hurry and get out of here." Before he could go anywhere however, a voice rang out from the trees.

"Stop right there!" the voice called. It was clearly feminine. Josh and the researcher froze and looked around.

"Who's there?" the researcher called back.

"Show yourself!" Josh shouted. The voice laughed mockingly.

"Ahaha! I guess if you're so eager to see us, then we can oblige." At that, around fifteen Team Rocket Grunts jumped up from the brush and surrounded Josh and the researcher. Their supposed leader, another grunt selected to lead this unit, then dropped down from the trees. "Ha! You are completely surrounded and outnumbered. I suggest you comply with our demands, or you could end up getting hurt," the grunt said, her voice laced with venom. Josh simply stood his ground.

"No way. I'm not gonna just back down against a bunch of losers like you!"

"Boy, I'll make you regret that. Attack them!" On command, the other grunts rushed at Josh and the researcher. Josh pulled out a Poke Ball and tossed it.

"Treecko, go!" he called. The ball opened and the Wood Gecko Pokemon burst out. "Treecko, hold them off with Magical Leaf!" Treecko scattered leaves and sent them after the incoming Rocket Grunts. Several grunts went flying backwards with scratches or cuts of varying degrees on their hands or faces. The remaining grunts took out Poke Balls and sent out their assortment of Pokemon: two Ekans, two Zubat, a Poochyena, a Rattata, and a Koffing. "Rats, a bunch of Poison-types," Josh muttered. The lone Koffing began to breathe noxious gases in an effort to defeat Treecko. "Dodge it!" Josh called. Treecko jumped into the trees to avoid the fumes. "Now, Absorb!" Treecko formed an energy field with its hands and aimed it at its foes below, sapping their energy. While the Rocket Grunts' Pokemon were struggling, Josh threw out another Poke Ball. "Zigzagoon, let's get 'em!" The Tinyraccoon Pokemon burst out of its ball. "Use Tackle on that Koffing!" Zigzagoon charged at Koffing and hit it, but the gas-spewing purple sphere didn't seem fazed thanks to its stellar Defense. Realizing that he was fighting a losing battle, Josh ordered for Treecko to use Magical Leaf one more time. Treecko scattered many leaves and sent them at the grunts and their Pokemon. In the confusion, Josh and the researcher bolted. The grunt in charge noticed and barked at the other grunts.

"They're getting away! After them!" she yelled. After returning their Pokemon, the other grunts gave chase. Josh and the researcher ran as fast as they could, Treecko following in the trees, to get away from the pursuing Rocket Grunts. Occasionally, Josh would order Treecko to use Magical Leaf to distract the grunts long enough to increase the distance between them. Before long, they were out of the forest and heading to Rustboro City. The grunt in charge was getting very mad. "Don't let them get away!" she screamed. "They must not reach the city!"

Meanwhile, just outside Rustboro, Eric was still running like the wind. He had just passed some Berry Trees just off the beaten path and was about to enter Rustboro City. He was huffing and puffing as he passed through the archway that signaled entry into the city. He had put his PokeGear on his wrist like a watch earlier, so he looked at the city map and saw that the hospital was at the north end of town. Frustration began to build. 'Gah, why did it have to be the north end of town?' he thought. 'No matter, I can't fail this...' He picked up the pace and sped off once more, Katrina's life hanging in the balance. Now able to see more than three feet in front of him, he took off towards the north end of the city, passing through empty streets illuminated by the glow of lampposts. Sweat dripped from his face and down his neck as he kept moving, running on fumes now. Before he knew it, the hospital was in sight. He felt a little energy return as he saw the familiar red cross symbol. He quickly looked down to check on Katrina. Her breathing was extremely short and raspy. It looked as if she was on her last legs. Filled with a sense of urgency, Eric sped by faster than an Olympic sprinter. He burst through the large double doors of the hospital, drawing attention from the clerk at the desk and any passing doctors, nurses, and other employees. Breathing extremely heavily, he staggered up to the desk, Katrina still in his arms. The clerk got up from her seat at the desk.

"Can I help you?" she asked the weary Eric.

"Yes..." he started, barely able to speak out of fatigue. He tilted his head down to draw the clerk's attention to Katrina. "She... she's been... poisoned. Shroomish... did it...' A look of alarm spread across the clerk's face.

"Oh no, we have to act quickly. What's the victim's name?"

"Her name is... Katrina... Aeris...' Eric breathed out. The clerk tapped some keys on her computer keyboard, then leaned over to use the emergency intercom.

"Attention, Dr. Westwood, there is a patient out at the lobby. The patient needs your attention now," she stated. She leaned back over. "Don't you worry, Dr. Westwood is an expert on treating these types of emergencies." Eric simply nodded. The double doors to his right opened just then and some paramedics came out wheeling a stretcher. They stopped in front of Eric.

"Lay her down on the stretcher," one of them said. Eric set Katrina down on the stretcher gently. The paramedics then strapped her in and wheeled her back through the double doors. Eric breathed a massive sigh and collapsed into a chair. The clerk then came over to him.

"Are you tired?" she asked. Eric nodded.

"I've been running nonstop for almost two hours," he managed to get out. "I don't know how I even had the energy for that last sprint." The clerk nodded.

"You said it was a Shroomish that got to her?" she asked. Eric nodded again. The clerk wrote something on her clipboard. "Ok, I'm going to need you to fill out a few sections of this form here," She handed the clipboard and a pen to Eric. He filled out the sections he was told to; all he really had to do was sign his name in a few spots. He then gave the clipboard and pen back to the clerk. She accepted them, then walked through the double doors to the right, presumably to pass on the information to the doctor. Eric noticed a vending machine just outside, so he went to it to grab a drink. He came back in with an ice-cold bottle of water. He took a swig of it and a wave of refreshment washed over him. He closed his eyes as the icy water sent a chill through him. He was going to be waiting for a few hours until the clerk said he could leave.

Back on Route 104, Josh and the Devon researcher were still trying to evade the pursuing Team Rocket Grunts. They were beginning to tire out, and the grunts were very persistent. Soon enough, they found themselves surrounded again. The grunt in charge stepped forward.

"You're finished now," she hissed. "You're done trying to evade us. We are Team Rocket, and we do not let our targets escape. Now, go, Meowth!" She threw a Poke Ball and a cat Pokemon emerged from it. Its fur was mainly an off-white, and its feet and tail were brown. Its ears were black and brown, and it had a gold coin on its forehead. It held a mischievous look in its eyes. "Meowth, Scratch attack!" Meowth leaped at Josh and the researcher with its claws bared. Josh pulled out a Poke Ball and prepared to counterattack.

"Oh no you don't. Zigzagoon, get out there!" He threw the Poke Ball and his Zigzagoon emerged. "Zigzagoon, Tackle it!" Zigzagoon charged at the enemy Meowth. Meowth was caught off guard and took a hit.

"Argh... use Bite!" Meowth bared its sharp teeth and launched itself at Zigzagoon.

"Try Headbutt, Zigzagoon!" Zigzagoon rushed at Meowth and stuck out its head. Both attacks missed.

"Bite again!" Meowth turned around quickly and bit Zigzagoon's tail, causing it to yelp in pain.

"Shake it off!" Zigzagoon tried to shake Meowth off of its tail, but Meowth held on. 'Gah, I gotta do something to get that stupid cat off Zigzagoon's tail...' As he mulled things over, he noticed a glint in the darkness. "Huh? What was that?" he wondered aloud. He got his answer soon enough. A Pokemon was creeping its way towards Zigzagoon and Meowth. It had diamonds for eyes and a purple body, with a red jewel on its body. It had a malicious grin on its face. It drew ever closer to the Pokemon, then suddenly launched itself and attacked, knocking Meowth right off of Zigzagoon's tail. The grunt in charge was shocked to see this unfold. A voice then rang out from the shadows.

"Great job, Sableye," the voice called. The purple creature, now identified as a Sableye, turned around to face the grunt and flashed a malicious grin. The grunt was unnerved. She turned around to the other grunts.

"Retreat! Fall back!" she called. She took off, returning Meowth as she did so. Sableye grinned. The voice from the shadow rang out again.

"Nice work, there, Sableye," the voice said. Someone then stepped out from the trees, illuminated by the glow of a flashlight he was carrying. He wore a t-shirt with the logo of Hollywood Undead on it, black skinny jeans, and a black leather jacket over his t-shirt. The light also illuminated his face. His eyes were a very dark brown, as was his hair, and his pale skin served to make them look even darker.

"Wh...who are you?" Josh asked tentatively.

"Oh, no need to worry about me, I'm not your enemy," the man said. "Drop the tone of fear."

"Uh... ok, but that doesn't answer my question," Josh replied.

"Right, right. The name's Gabriel Owens. As it happens, I am the Rustboro City Gym Leader. And you are?"

"I... I'm Josh Anderson from Littleroot Town."

"Littleroot Town, eh? You've come a long way. My guess is that you're taking the League challenge, am I right?"

"Yep, you're right. I'm aiming for the top. But right now, I've got to get this Devon researcher back into the city and catch up to my friends. We ran into trouble in the forest and were forced to split up."

"I see. Well, allow me to take this researcher back to the Devon Corp. building. As the Gym Leader, I have a clearance to access certain floors of the building. If you don't mind me asking, what sort of trouble did you run into in the forest?"

"Well, we were doing fine up until a guy in a black uniform jumped out at the researcher and demanded he hand over his research. My best friend Eric battled him and won, so he left us alone. We had to get through the forest quickly 'cuz we thought there might be more of those guys in the forest. The guy we beat said he was from Team Rocket. Then we ran into a pack of wild Shroomish..." Josh tried to finish but was cut off.

"I think I know where this is going," Gabriel said. "Somebody you were traveling with inhaled Shroomish spores and had to be rushed to the hospital." Josh nodded.

"That's exactly it. Our other friend, Katrina, accidentally inhaled some spores after we made a break for it, so Eric went on ahead with her to get her to the hospital while we avoided the Team Rocket losers. As you can see, we didn't do a very good job of avoiding them, ehehe." Gabriel nodded.

"I understand. Well, seeing as Team Rocket has left for the time being, I think it would be a good idea for you to take it easy. We're still quite a ways from the city, so I would suggest you pitch a tent and camp out tonight. I'll get the researcher back to the Devon Corp. building when it reopens tomorrow, but I need to get him into the city just in case Team Rocket is still lurking. I hope you come by the Gym and challenge me soon." With that, he went over to the researcher and began escorting him back to Rustboro. Josh just took his backpack off of his back and unrolled a sleeping bag and a mat. He found a spot right under some trees, so he set down the mat and sleeping bag. It had been an extremely long day, so he figured he might as well listen to Gabriel's advice and camp out for the night. He quickly drifted to sleep.

In the city, Eric was allowed to leave the hospital after answering a few questions. He didn't want to leave at first because he was worried about Katrina, but the doctors assured him that he would find out what was going on in the morning. Eric reluctantly agreed to leave the building. He trudged back towards the Pokemon Center, but then realized that it was too late to even think about getting a room there, so he turned back around and headed for Route 116 to the east of Rustboro. On Route 116, he found a spot near a tree to set up camp. He pulled out a sleeping bag and a mat, unrolled them, and set them on the ground.

'Guess I'm roughing it tonight,' he thought. He got into his sleeping bag and attempted to relax, but he remained restless. He was plagued with thoughts of 'Is Katrina all right?', 'Did I make it in time?', 'What if I was too late?', and 'No, don't think like that, you dumbass.' As he shut his eyes and made a conscious effort to go to sleep, his thoughts continued to bug him. "I don't want to lose you, Katrina," he whispered. It was going to be a long night for Eric...

That's that for this chapter. So, Eric gets Katrina to the hospital after she accidentally inhaled Shroomish spores, but we still don't know if he was in time or not. Josh and the Devon researcher get chased by Team Rocket, but a new face by the name of Gabriel Owens shows his face and drives Team Rocket away. He reveals himself as the Rustboro City Gym Leader, then escorts the researcher back to Rustboro. Thanks to The Darkness Is Alive for submitting Gabriel. Eric and Josh are now camping out on different sides of the city. Josh went to sleep, but Eric's having trouble, what with Katrina's current state weighing on his conscience. As he attempts to sleep, he utters these words: "I don't want to lose you, Katrina". Poor Eric, having to go through this at such a young age and not even an eighth of the way through his journey.

Ok, I'm still looking for some OCs. The slots I need filled are these: Mauville City Gym Leader, Fortree City Gym Leader, Mossdeep City Gym Leader, Sootopolis City Gym Leader, Elite Four #1, Elite Four #2, and three Team Rocket Executives. Please send in some OCs so these slots can be filled.

This chapter certainly appears shorter, but it's still around 3600 words (not counting this author's note down here in bold; that would up it to around 4000-ish). I had some other ideas for this chapter, but I canned them, figuring they would be better off used in the next chapter or not at all.

Until next time, MasterFreezeman, signing out.