Chapter 61:  Preparations and Departures (Part B) by Exodus  

“What a beautiful sight...” sighed Scott, standing at the front of the ship 
closing in on the continent of Johto, “But what I was hoping to see is far 
greater than just a pretty face.”  
A beeping was heard from his pocket, and from it Scott produced his Pokégear, 
a sophisticated device with radio, mapping and computer features, but thanks 
to a little modifying, this now served as Scott’s Pokédex as well.  
On the screen was a blinking envelope icon until Scott opened it, and a 
cartoon version of Carrie’s face in a winking expression appeared in the 
corner as an audio message was played.  
“Hi Scott, little ol’ me here, I was so happy to hear that things with your 
sister went well and that you’re ready to travel again.  I was hoping to spend 
some time with you if that’s alright.  You know my number so give me a call 
within the week so that perhaps we can arrange to meet somewhere.  Buh 
bye...”  
Scott could only smile as the message was played, “No one’s ever made me feel 
this way.” he spoke, “Man, I’ve got it bad for that girl...”  

At Goldenrod City, the Bullet Train slowly arrived at the station after 
getting through miles within a short time.  
“We have arrived at Goldenrod City, please exit the train in an orderly manner 
and remember to take all your belongings, those of you that stored luggage in 
the lower storage compartments please ask one of our staff to retrieve it for 
you.  And please ride with us again in the future.”  
Abby stepped out of the train and stretched and rotated her neck, arms and 
legs.  
“Remind to sit facing towards my destination next time...”  
“So Abby, do you have any plans where to start?” questioned Rick.  
“I was thinking I’d rest and eat at the Pokémon Centre and register for the 
League while I’m there.” she replied.  
“Well, since we’ve agreed to travel together for now, I’ll meet you there a 
little later, I’d like to take a look around town and see the sights before 
getting to matters of registering and Gym Battles.”  
“There’s a Gym here?” Abby asked in surprise.  
“You didn’t come very prepared for this, did you?” smirked Rick.  
“I came prepared! I just wasn’t able to get travel or map information, that’s 
Tetsubo’s specialty.”  
“Well I’m a little more laid back than Tetsu is, but I’ve got a little 
knowledge about this area.  How about we leave Gym Battles until tomorrow?” 
Rick suggested.  
“Sure, sure, just let me rest after that uncomfortable trip, I paid double for 
that ticket and no one warned me about the good seats.” moaned Abby.  
“Aren’t you rich now? What does it matter?”  
“The principles! That’s what!”  
“You’ve changed so much since I last properly saw you, I think our friendship 
is going to be interesting to say the least.” mused Rick.  

“Rai!!!”  
“Sandslash!”  
“Raichi, Lancer.  I just thought you’d like a little exercise.” spoke Scott to 
his Pokémon, “That and the fact I’m after a certain Pokémon you might be able 
to help me with.  Because of a certain team-mate’s departure from the team, 
I’m in need of this sort of Pokémon.”  
On his Pokégear screen was a picture of a blue round Pokémon with big ears and 
a zigzag tail with a ball on the end.  
“Its a mouse Pokémon, like you two, so I figured you’d be able to track one, 
according to the Pokégear, there may be some living around here.”  
“Rai, Rai.” nodded Raichi.  
“Slash.” agreed Lancer, and the two Pokémon moved around sniffing out the 
area.  
“I’m not sure why I suddenly thought one day to collect all the known mice-
like Pokémon but as far as I can see, I’m halfway through.”  
“Raichu!” came a shout, and Scott and Lancer gathered.  
The little Raichu was pointing to a blue object shuffling in the bushes.  
“That’s it! Lancer, Swift!”  
“Sand-slash!”  
With a flick of its claws, star shaped projectiles circled forward and beat 
into the blue thing.  
“Raichi! Thundershock!”  
“Rai...  CHAO!!!” cheered Raichi as a small beam of lightning hurtled forward 
and buzzed into its target.  
“Ma-RILL!!!” screamed the hidden Pokémon, leaping up high in shock.  
“Marill, you’re mine!” smiled Scott, hurling a Pokéball forward.  
The Marill dived to the ground as the Pokéball hit its last position hard, and 
doing so caused dust to fly into the Marill’s eyes.  
It started to sob as it wiped them but then “MAAAAARRRIIILLLLLL!!!”  
All in the area covered their ears as the Marill screamed itself silly, during 
which time it scurried away, tears flying out its eyes.  
“Was that a Screech attack or just its normal crying?” questioned Scott, “We 
should probably look for a less squeamish Marill but I doubt we have the time, 
after it!”  
Scott and the Pokémon dashed around trees in hot pursuit, until the Marill 
turned a corner, when Scott rushed around it, a crash shook leaves off the 
trees and he and another fell to the floor.  
“Gee Gad...” spoke Scott incoherently, keeping himself from saying rude words 
to express his surprise and pain.  
“Ow! Ow! Ow! Why don’t you watch where you’re going?!” moaned a female’s 
voice, her head covered by the hat that had fallen over her face.  
“Marill...  Marill...” whined the Pokémon next to her.  
“No good hiding behind her, you’re mine!” called Scott, throwing the Pokéball 
again.  
“Hey!” the woman complained, swinging her bag to swat the Pokéball away, so 
hard that it fell some distance and was lost, “Don’t make my Aqua cry, she’s 
already distressed after running away from something horrible!”  
“‘Aqua’?” questioned Scott, “You mean That Marill?...  I’m afraid I was that 
horrible something chasing it...”  
“And why would you do that?! Aqua’s an easily distressed Pokémon, I assured 
her she could wander around without anything going wrong, she’s not going to 
leave my side for the rest of the day now!”  
“I’m so sorry... um...”  
“Emily Whyte, just let me adjust my hat so I can-  Scott?!” she exclaimed.  
“This is... awkward...” he sighed.  
“Didn’t think I’d run into you, where have you been all this time?” she 
questioned excitedly.  
“Alone, and sorry about the Marill, I was just looking to build a team of mice-
like Pokémon and a Marill is yet to be ticked off the list.”  
“Since I know you let’s just skip the moaning and arguing and get straight to 
the forgiveness part.  Its okay Aqua, Scott’s an old friend of Mama’s...”  
“‘Mama’?” questioned Scott, failing to hide his grin.  
“Yes Mama, this Marill looks up to me in a child to parent way, so the name 
just stuck and I’ll thank you not to laugh about it...  So where are you 
headed first Scott? I assume you’re planning on competing in the Johto 
League?”  
“Of course, so where are you headed?”  
“New Bark Town, I’ve got to deliver something there and then I’m headed to 
Violet City to meet up with Tetsubo.” she explained briefly.  
“You two lovebirds still at it?”  
“If you mean if we’re still in a relationship, then yes.  And before you think 
of making fun of us being together can I ask how things are between you and 
Carrie?” spoke Emily through lightly cross eyes.  
“There’s nothing to speak of, but I think that’ll change soon enough.” Scott 
admitted.  
“Gee Scott, this was easy, I expected you to hold back on personal issues like 
that.” said Emily, surprise evident in her voice.  
“I’ve changed Emily, now that Pokémon Battles aren’t a matter of life and 
death to me anymore I can relax a little and open up more with my friends.” 
explained Scott.  
“Do we qualify?” joked Emily.  
“Of course!” moaned Scott, “You’re not serious, are you?!”  
“No Scott, I know we’re friends, and so does Tetsubo.” smiled Emily.  
“Speaking of which, again, would you mind if I tagged along to meet him, I 
need to thank him properly for helping to save Casey’s life.” Scott inquired.  
“I heard about that, but Scott, why didn’t you see her after she came around? 
It seems stupid to save her life but not play a part in it after all your 
work.” questioned Emily in a serious tone.  
“I didn’t do all this to make myself feel better.” Scott frowned, “A small 
part of my actions were responsible for putting her in that hospital, I saved 
her because she didn’t deserve to die young.  And for the record I have seen 
her on many occasions...  I just didn’t talk to her, or make it known I was 
there...”  
“I don’t always understand you Scott, but I’d like to, so of course you can 
come along, it’s going to take a few weeks to reach Violet City so I’d 
appreciate the company.”  
“Well then my travelling companion, shall we be off?”  
Emily smiled, picked up her Marill while Scott recalled his Pokémon and the 
two went on their way.  

Back in Goldenrod City, Rick wandered around the tall gigantic buildings and 
occasionally the underground pathways, both were filled with shops and market 
stands and was far more bustling than his home; Saffron City.  
His random direction eventually got him to a strange looking building with a 
large satellite dish mounted to the top.  
“I’m late.  I’m late, I’m late!” moaned a woman carrying a pile of papers and 
books, because they were stacked so high, she didn’t see Rick and crashed into 
him.  
“Oop!...  I’m so sorry.” she apologised, on closer inspection; she wore a 
green jumper, a black skirt, and had shoulder length red hair that curled at 
the sides.  
“Don’t worry.” smiled Rick genuinely, “I should have been watching where You 
were going.”  
To this the woman giggled, and picked up the paperwork while Rick assisted.  
“What is this place?” questioned Rick, “Do you work here?”  
“This is the Goldenrod Radio Tower, where many radio stations are broadcast, 
like Buena’s Password show, Oak’s Pokéfacts and Pokéradio.”  
“I love that show!” shouted Rick suddenly, “Sorry, didn’t mean to shout, it’s 
just that I heard your show once on the internet, and I’ve been hooked 
since.”  
“You don’t listen to the radio?”  
“I don’t live around here, and the quality of this station at my home isn’t 
perfect, I’m a Pokémon Trainer, and a very successful one at that.”  
“Really? What’s your name?”  
“Ricky Zane, but just Rick is fine, and I was first in the last Rainbow League 
Tournament.”  
“This is perfect, aside from this now mixed up schedule, the last guest had to 
cancel and it’s once again left us in a panic, would you please come with me 
and do a small interview for us?”  
“Absolutely!...”  

Meanwhile, Abby had registered for the League (and taken her first steps 
towards it), and was currently taking a stroll for herself around the town, 
she noticed the sort of looks she got from people and wondered about it.  
“Rick’s right, I’ve never really talked to him but he seems as nice as 
Tetsubo, perhaps a little more carefree and open than he.  I know I’ve come 
some way in opening up but I still hold back...  I’ve got to find a way to 
help me let myself go and lose the self doubt, maybe Tetsubo will stop 
treating me like a helpless sister if I do.”  
“Is that roight?” questioned a man with a strange accent.  
“Perhaps the way ta start is ta change the outside.” said an identical voice, 
as two red haired men pulled Abby gently into their store and sat her on a 
rotating seat.  
“Um, just who are you?”  
“You don’t know? We’re the haircut brothers, an’ we’ve recently expanded our 
skills ta cater fer both Pokémon an’ people.”  
“Give us the word an’ we’ll give you a look that’ll amaze whatever guy you’re 
trying ta impress.”  
“I’m not after a boy, at least I don’t think I am, but I’d appreciate a new 
look, just talk me through whatever you’re doing before you make any big 
changes...” said Abby in a mixture of friendly and firm tones.  

“And here on the show we’ll be talking to two special guests, the first of 
which is a winner in the north, the trainer that came first in the last 
Rainbow League Tournament, Ricky Zane.”  
“Um, I prefer Rick if that’s okay.”  
“Absolutely.  Rick hails from Saffron City in the Kanto Region where he also 
competed; he made it to the top 8 and has also earned a place in the Orange 
League Hall of Fame.  So Rick? How do you like Johto, seeing as you’ve done a 
fair bit of travelling?”  
“I’ve only seen this city, but it’s great, Goldenrod is much bigger than my 
home, and luckily, the two towns are now linked by the Bullet Train.”  
“Could you tell us a little about your Pokémon? I realise you might not want 
to tell us exactly which ones you own so as to give away that secret to 
trainers you might encounter.”  
“I don’t mind at all, I’m that confident I can meet any challenges and do a 
good job in all circumstances.  Currently with me are my Pinsir, Poliwrath, 
Victreebel, Arcanine and the newest member of my team...”  
Rick reached for a Pokéball and a small pink Pokémon with short blonde hair, 
cute eyes and big lips appeared from it and landed in Rick’s lap.  
“Smooch Smooch Smooch!” she said happily.  
“This is the only Pokémon I own that was first discovered in Johto, but I 
intend to catch a whole team of Johto Pokémon.”  
“Aw what an adorable little Smoochum...” squealed Mary.  
“Her name is Cherub, and she’s the daughter of my mother’s Jynx Serena, who’s 
very special to my family.” explained Rick, “Which kind of makes Cherub the 
equivalent of a little sister.”  
“I wish you could all see it, but the only way you can is to watch the monitor 
at this very radio tower in Goldenrod.”  
“You mean people can see us right now?” stuttered Rick.  
“Of course, what did you think?”  
“I thought we were on the radio, and I’d have made myself presentable if I’d 
known.”  
“I think you look fine Rick, and I’m sure our female listeners are curious to 
know, are you single?”  
“Isn’t that a little inappropriate?...” inquired Rick a little nervously, “I 
know I come off as confident but I’m not too good with personal questions like 
that…”  
“Okay, we’ll skip that question and-”  
“Its okay, if you think females are into me then I’d hate to disappoint, since 
I haven’t seen the last girl I was with in a while, I guess its safe to say 
that currently I’m single, so anyone who wants to get to know me, just talk to 
me and we’ll see where things take us.”  
“And finally, any words you’d like to give to up and coming trainers what with 
your experience?”  
“Yeah, never give up on what you want, and don’t let doubt cloud your spirit, 
you can all be great trainers if you just give it your very best.”  
“Thank you Rick, would you please remain with us while we introduce our second 
guest, it’s our very own Whitney, from the Goldenrod Gym.”  
“Hi there Mary.” smiled a short pink haired girl in a white top, shorts and 
boots, “Glad to be here again.”  
“Rick and I were just talking about him, his Pokémon, and about new trainers 
beginning their Pokémon Journeys this year.  Would you like to say a few 
words?”  
“I’d be glad to...”  

Abby stepped up the stairs, exiting the underground pathways and walking back 
into the above ground part of the city.  
The curtain of hair that usually covered half her face was gone, or at least 
moved.  
Abby’s hair was now tied back except for two long strips of hair that fell to 
the sides and a wide length ponytail fell down to her shoulders.  
She looked at herself in a shop window and saw all of her face staring back at 
her, she remembered the days when half her face was all she would show, 
because of the scar that ran across her right eye.  
She’d once trusted Tetsubo enough to show the scar to him as proof of her 
trust in him, but now it was visible for the whole world to see.  
A couple of people stared at Abby’s small scar as she walked the streets but 
she no longer let it affect her, “If they have a problem, then it’s their 
problem, not mine.  I shouldn’t be ashamed of such a small permanent mark on 
my face, it could have been worse and I like the person I am now, inside and 
out...”  
She had an open smile on her face as she stared upwards while saying these 
things, and then noticed Rick on a large monitor.  
“What’s Rick doing on TV, I mean, the radio?...”  

“I’m here with a girl called Abby, we just got here and we’re both hoping to 
meet and surprise a good friend of ours at some point this year, in the 
meantime we’re going to catch and train the Pokémon that live here, and 
compete in Gym Battles until we qualify for the Johto League.”  
“He sounds special, can you elaborate.”  
“This friend of ours is new to my life but we’re already quite close, and he 
makes a great rival since we both test each other but remain friends when the 
battles are over, I think it’s good for trainers to compete among friends on a 
regular basis.”  
“And back to you Whitney, anything to say to trainers looking to challenge 
you?”  
“Yes Mary, I offer battles that have little to do with types and more on 
skill, you’ll need some strong and trustworthy Pokémon, but at the same time 
feel free to challenge me as many times as you’d like, you’d be surprised how 
a good relationship with your Pokémon can help in battle.”  
“Thank you Whitney, and thank you Rick, we’ll be speaking to more trainers 
later today so keep it tuned to Pokéradio for more great stories and 
interviews.” finished Mary.  
A few sounds and an enthusiastic voice speaking the radio name and number were 
heard before adverts.  
“And we’re done.  I won’t keep you two any longer, I’m sure you have places to 
be.” smiled Mary.  
“I should get back to my Gym and help clean it up after the last battle I 
had.” smiled Whitney.  
“Whitney wait.” called Rick, chasing after her briefly, “I need to ask you for 
a Gym Battle for me and my friend, and perhaps directions to your Gym.”  
“Absolutely Rick, how about tomorrow?”  
“Perfect, and what about my friend?”  
“Is this friend the one you said was your rival, or another one?”  
“No, not Tetsubo, I meant Abby.”  
“Did you say Tetsubo?” Whitney asked suddenly.  
“Um, yes.”  
“Tetsubo Capture?” she elaborated.  
“Exactly.”  
“Oh my gosh, what a coincidence...” she squealed.  
“Ex-cuse me?”  
“It’ll be so good to see him after all this time, you did say he was competing 
in the Johto League this year, right?”  
“Yeah, but how do you know him?”  
“You’re his friend and he hasn’t told you about me? Well come to think of it, 
he hasn’t heard I became a Gym Leader...  I’m his cousin! My mother is his 
Aunt Betty.” she exclaimed.  
“I’ll be sure to mention this next time I see him.”  
“Oh don't, I’d rather see the look on his face when I surprise him.” Whitney 
grinned.  
“Okay, sure, but could I first arrange a match for my friend Abby before you 
leave or I forget?”  
“Abby Worthington?” Whitney asked again in the same fashion as before.  
“You’re good...  How do you know Her?” asked Rick.  
“Silly, I met her an hour ago, in my Gym, that’s why I’ve got to fix it up 
before our battle, that girl sure has some powerful Pokémon...”  
“I thought she was going to wait until tomorrow...” moaned Rick, “Oh well...”  
“Anyway, it was nice to meet you, I mean it, and I look forward to our 
battle...” Whitney said before leaving.  
“See you then...”  

Abby waited until the interview was over and awaited Rick to exit the tower.  
“Come on Rick, I didn’t get much of a chance to rest between waiting in line 
and then stumbling upon the Gym in this place and taking my Gym Battle when I 
could get it...” she spoke indirectly.  
Whitney walked out of the tower and waved as she passed by, “Hi again, great 
battle...”  
“Oh my...” came a posh voice, “You... are... beautiful, as pretty as a rose on 
a summer’s day...”  
“Oh come on, are you for... real?...” laughed Abby as she turned to a man in 
the sort of clothing seen in theatrical plays coloured blue and violet, “I 
guess you are...”  
“Would you please grace my life by revealing to me the name that you so sweet 
have been given?...” said the stranger, about Abby’s age and currently 
kneeling down and holding her hand.  
“It’s... Abby... Worthington.” she blushed, “And who in the world are 
you?...”  
“My name is Theodore, and I have been bowled over by your astounding beauty 
and grace, would you please do me the honour and-”  
“No, I’m not marrying a guy I just met!”  
“No, not that, I only wanted to go out for a meal with you, my radiant vision 
of a goddess...”  
“Er...” mumbled Abby with a shocked nervous look on her face, “Maybe I should 
have stuck with the old hairstyle...” she thought.  
Rick strolled out of the radio tower and didn’t notice Abby and her admirer.  
“Rick...” she called, “Help me out of this, would you?”  
“I didn’t think Mary was serious about the female fan thing, um, how can I 
help Miss...”  
“It’s me Rick, could you get this Casanova off my case, he’s so forward with 
his feelings he’s scaring me!”  
“Oh, there you are Theodore, would you like to prepare for the interview?” 
called Mary.  
“Oh my dear Abigail, I have a prior engagement that slipped my mind, but my 
heart is still fluttering over our heavenly meeting and I’d like to see you 
again in the future...  Until we meet again my sweet...”  
With that he walked into the radio station and Abby breathed a sigh of 
relief.  
Rick couldn’t help but laugh, “That was sweet, how could you not be moved by 
those words?”  
“Because I have feelings for You Rick.” said Abby unexpectedly, moving her 
finger from his chest up to his face, “How could I possibly look at another 
when I’ve got the best guy of all?”  
“Abby...  I think you’ve confused our friendship for something more...  I 
mean, you’re probably a great girl and all but... I’m honestly not looking for 
this sort of thing right now and-”  
Abby’s finger returned to Rick’s chest and with a push, Rick stumbled back.  
“That’s why Rick, I don’t go for people who are too forward just as you 
don’t.” said Abby, walking towards the Pokémon Centre.  
“Those things you said... weren’t true...  You’re one piece of work Abby, 
there’s more to you than I thought, and also, ‘love the hair.” said Rick, 
changing his shocked expression to an open mouthed smile.  
“Thank you.” smiled Abby back.  
“But what’s with battling Whitney before me? I know I wasn’t in a rush to 
battle her, but I didn’t expect you to jump in and presumably wreck her Gym 
during your battle...”  
“Well I didn’t expect you to have a radio interview without informing me, I 
know I’m not particularly good with interviews but it’s the principal.”  
“Touché.” grinned Rick, “I guess we’re even.”  
“Rick, I agree that this friendship is going to be an interesting one, but a 
memorable one too...” finished Abby, and the two friends headed for a rest and 
soon enough, Rick’s Gym Battle and the duo’s many adventures in the region of 
Johto.  

End of Chapter 61B  

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