Chapter 63:  Helping Hand (Part B) by Michael Keens/Exodus  

It didn’t take long to find the rock formation Earl spoke of, but only Tetsubo 
approached it while the students and teachers watched from a distance so as 
not to greaten the chances of Sentrets retreating underground.  
Tetsubo searched the large area with his eyes, and before long, spotted a trio 
of Sentrets, running on all fours with apples supported on their tails, the 
one at the back was being left behind and ran faster but tripped over a rock 
and crashed into the others, their apples tumbling down into the lower regions 
of the area.  
The two were angry with the latter Sentret, said some things in their own 
language and then meanly started pulling and tugging on the Sentret’s sides 
and tail.  
Finally they pointed below towards where the apples fell and stood where they 
were, expecting the accidental one to return all of them.  
It sighed and started walking but quickly fell as a foot was deliberately 
placed in front of it.  
It looked like it would cry while the other two laughed and hurried away to 
their home.  
As the lonely Sentret slowly made its way down, Tetsubo sighed, “Poor guy, I 
know the feeling of being bullied.”  
It got close to Tetsubo without realising it, but couldn’t find any of the 
apples, which made it more upset that it would return without anything to show 
for its efforts.  
Tetsubo saw its features and realised, “Oh, I should have said Poor Girl, its 
clearly female...”  
Tetsubo gave it a few more seconds as the Sentret got closer but then stopped 
and looked around, “Sorry to do this but I promise you’ll be better off after 
this.  Gator! Go! Water Gun!”  
“Toto!!!” it yelled, appearing and biting down on its tail upon seeing it.  
“SEN-TRET!!!” the Sentret squealed, waving its tail but failing to get the 
Totodile off, “SEN-TRET!!!”  
It was calling out for help Tetsubo realised, but no one seemed to 
care, “You’ve got no one to count on...” he said with empathy in his 
voice, “But that’ll change.  Gator! I said Water Gun!”  
“To-to.” he snarled, letting go and immediately letting loose a blast of water 
which launched the Sentret into one of the rocky walls.  
It shed a tear and quivered in fear, Tetsubo picked up a Pokéball and hurled 
it forward, but the Sentret saw it coming with its enhanced sights and 
launched itself into a Quick Attack to zigzag around the Pokéball and finish 
by slamming into the Totodile.  
“Scratch attack Gator!”  
As it dived into the air and raised its claws, the Sentret dropped to the 
floor and curled up, using Defence Curl to enhance its defence but using the 
movement to dodge the attack completely.  
Gator fell over the Sentret and tumbled to the floor, and got up only to be 
hit by a tackle.  
“At least I know it’s got talent as a battler, it just needs to stand up for 
itself when it counts.” smiled Tetsubo, “It’s fast as well, so power isn’t 
going to cut it.  Gator! Don’t even try to bite it! I think the Pokéball will 
work if I can just get it to stand still, use Leer!”  
“Dile...” growled Gator, its eyes locked in a fierce stare and glowing 
slightly, the Sentret froze up and Tetsubo seized the chance.  
The second Pokéball connected and the Sentret was absorbed inside, the ball 
shook only a little, and locked.  
“Yes!” called out Tetsubo, while several children cheered.  
Tetsubo retrieved the Pokéball but released the Pokémon inside here rather 
than wait for when the students saw it, it was important to sort out things 
without an audience.  
“You okay? I wish I didn’t have to hurt you, but it was the only way.”  
“Sentret?” it questioned, its head tilting to one side.  
“I saw how you were treated, but rather than choose any of the others, I 
wanted you to be my Pokémon, so that I could help you as you’ll probably help 
me.”  
“Tret.” it acknowledged.  
“I’m Tetsubo, and I guess I’ll be your trainer.  You battled well out there, 
and I know you’ll be an even better battler in time; I’d also like to help you 
stand up for yourself.  Even if that accident with the apples is an occasional 
thing for you those other Sentrets had no right to treat you so badly.”  
“Tret...” she sighed.  
“We can work on that though, I don’t let people push me around anymore and you 
shouldn’t either.  I’m going to make you better than the both of them 
combined, starting with your very own nickname...  Scout...”  
A smile formed on the Sentret’s face at last, “Sentret!”  
She dived into Tetsubo and lovingly hugged him, he laughed happily before 
recalling it, and the slightly jealous Totodile afterwards...  

“And here we have a Sentret.” smiled Tetsubo, drawing it out of its Pokéball 
shortly afterwards.  
It immediately saw the crowd of youngsters and froze up with a nervous 
expression.  
“Its okay Scout, they won’t hurt you, they just want to see you up close, 
this’ll only be a few minutes.”  

Earl started talking about Sentrets while carefully pointing out Scout’s 
features and what made them different from other Pokémon, meanwhile, Tetsubo 
quietly aimed his Pokédex at the newest addition to his team to verify it 
all:  

“Sentret, the Scout Pokémon.  A cautious Pokémon with a great sense of sight 
and hearing, the most unique aspect of this Pokémon is its ability to stand on 
its large tail to survey an area; it can emit a high pitched wail to warn 
others of its kind of danger.”  

Earl had finished talking and several kids thanked the two for the opportunity 
to see and learn about Sentrets, unlike Pokémon Tech, the Pokémon Academy 
didn’t have a huge selection of Pokémon, and relied on trainers, icons and 
celebrities to bring a range Pokémon to show the younger students.  
Tetsubo recalled his newest team member and the class started to make their 
way back onto the set road, he waited until they passed him but noticed Miss 
Priscilla was searching for something with a worried expression.  
“What’s wrong?”  
“Four of the children are gone; they must have slipped away during Earl’s 
lecture.  I don’t know what to do.”  
“I’ll find them.” Tetsubo said firmly.  
“How?”  
“By using Earl’s facts for something practical...”  
Tetsubo brought out his two Johto Pokémon, “Scout, could you survey the ground 
for footprints? Ignore the cluster where the large group were and look for 
just four sets.”  
She nodded, raised her tail and looked closely at the area, she soon got to 
her feet and started moving, with Tetsubo following immediately.  
“I’ll bring back those kids, notify Earl about what’s happening and I’ll catch 
up with you.”  
“Oh thank you Tetsubo...”  

He soon tracked down the four kids, three he’d never seen, but the forth was 
Mitchell, the kid from yesterday, the one who had problems with big Pokémon.  
Tetsubo waited behind a tree, trying to figure out what they were doing.  
The road they were on connected to a rocky incline, a couple were on it, one 
was returning from it, and Mitchell was on the rocks close to the road with a 
nervous expression.  
It was obvious that he was trying to fit in by leaving the class with them and 
now was being dared to step towards a certain point on the mountain terrain.  
Tetsubo stepped forward and made himself known, “Alright, everyone off and 
back to class and I might not tell Miss Priscilla and Earl what you were 
doing.”  
“Aw...” a couple groaned, returning to the road.  
Mitchell wore a sad expression as the kids whispered how he was again acting 
like a coward before suddenly taking a step forward to prove them wrong, but 
the ground gave way and he fell into a cavern below.  
Tetsubo gasped and ran towards it to jump in, shouting as he did, “Get back to 
the Sentret area and take the left road from there! I’ll be back with 
Mitchell!...”  

Tetsubo landed with a forward roll and quickly searched the surrounding area 
for Mitchell, he could vaguely see an underground river nearby and since 
Mitchell couldn’t be seen or heard, Tetsubo had to assume he’d fallen in.  
He dashed down the cave with his arms outstretched so that he didn’t slam his 
head into any of the twisted rock formations hanging or sticking out.  
“Mitchell!!!” he yelled.  
“I’m... here...” called out Mitchell, fear evident in his voice.  
“Scout!” Tetsubo called quickly, releasing his Sentret in front of him and 
reaching out his arms to motion for it to leap into his grasp.  
It did so by springing up with its tail, “Mitchell I see you! Hang on!”  
He was clinging to a rock metres away from where the river became suddenly 
steep and the passage too narrow for Tetsubo to get through, and who knew 
where the river led.  
“Reach out for my Sentret.” he called, holding onto the Sentret’s hands as it 
offered its large tail.  
Mitchell attempted a few small reaches so as not to lose his grip and then 
reached out as far as he could.  
His other hand suddenly lost its hold but he barely managed to find support 
from the Sentret moments before being washed away, it didn’t take long to reel 
them in.  

“Thanks a lot Tetsubo...” Mitchell said as the two walked through the cave, 
they’d have to find another way out as the way they’d come in was too high to 
climb nor could Tetsubo remember the way back, “I’m sorry I got us into 
this...”  
“It was foolish...  You shouldn’t have done it, even if those so-called 
friends of yours judged you.  You shouldn’t have had to prove yourself by 
doing something so dangerous.” lectured Tetsubo seriously.  
“But...”  
“You shouldn’t have to be something you’re not to fit in, if those kids can’t 
understand that, then find friends who can and like you for who you are...” he 
continued.  
Mitchell nodded in agreement, a little glum at the events of the day, and then 
stopped as did Tetsubo when a light rumbling could be felt throughout the 
cave.  
“We’d better hurry; this place is more dangerous than I gave it credit 
for...”  
The two hurried into a large area and the shaking suddenly grew in 
strength, “Watch out!” screamed Tetsubo, pushing Mitchell ahead as the ceiling 
cracked from above and debris fell.  
Mitchell’s eyes widened in shock as Tetsubo was apparently buried, “No...”  
“Mitchell, I’m okay, I’m just trapped.” Tetsubo called out, “You’re gonna have 
to find a way out and bring help.”  
“Okay, I-” said Mitchell before freezing up, stepping backwards but tripping 
and taking a light fall.  
A huge Golem loomed over him and turned to face him, “Golem...”  
Through clenched teeth Mitchell squealed.  
“What’s going on?! I can’t see!” shouted Tetsubo.  
“A... Golem...” Mitchell barely managed to get out, he squealed again as more 
quakes occurred, but they didn’t seem to be the Golem’s doing.  
“Run for it! Pokémon like Golem tend to be rough and gruff!” ordered Tetsubo.  
“I... can’t...  Too... scared...”  
“Golem! If he’s hurt in any way you’re gonna have to answer to me! And I have 
a Water Pokémon!...” Tetsubo shouted out before thinking “Though whether or 
not he’ll use Water attacks isn’t a total guarantee.”  
“Gol...” the Golem said in a hurt expression before speaking 
defensively “Golem Golem.”  
“It’s not causing these quakes, nor is it fierce at all.” Tetsubo pondered 
before shouting “Mitchell! You have to ask for its help!”  
“Why... do I have to do it?” he called nervously.  
“Because I just hurt its feelings, it’s a surprisingly sensitive Pokémon, it 
may look big but not all Pokémon are as fierce as they look.  You can do it, 
you Have to do it...”  
Mitchell slowly stood up, took a couple of attempts to talk but fear stopped 
him, he eventually managed to utter “Golem...  I’m...  I’m sorry my friend... 
accused you of being mean...  We...  We... We could really you your help.  
This cave might collapse and my friend is trapped and in trouble...  If it’s 
not too much trouble for you of course...”  
“Gol...” the Golem smiled, carefully walking past Mitchell and lifting the 
heavy rocks off one by one.  
Soon enough, Tetsubo was free and he was able to stand, like he’d said, he’d 
only been trapped, not crushed, so he was physically fine.  
“Thanks a lot, I don’t suppose you could show us out of here, these quakes are 
dangerous to us, even if you can probably withstand anything that comes your 
way.”  
“Gol.” it nodded, leading the way.  
“See Mitchell, there are exceptions to what something seems like and what it 
Is like.  You might think big Pokémon are all fierce and dangerous, but it’s 
always worth making sure if it’s true or not before judging them this way.” 
Tetsubo said pleasantly.  
“Uh huh...”  
“I won’t lie to you and tell you that all big Pokémon are as kind as this one 
but they wouldn’t have any at the school if they were dangerous.  However you 
do after this I’m proud of you.  You were really brave today.”  
“Aw thanks...” Mitchell giggled.  
The Golem stopped at one last winding passage but leapt back towards the two.  
Mitchell surprisingly stepped aside with a questionable look but not as much 
as a squeak like earlier.  
The reason behind the action was quickly revealed as the area nearby broke 
apart and several rocks came crashing down.  
The Golem caught several and held up the general structure, “Gol!” he shouted, 
motioning with its head alone for the two to leave down the route it’d led 
them to as this part of the cave was collapsing, the smile on its face 
apparent that it’d be fine.  
“Thank you Golem! I’ll never forget this!” called Mitchell as he and Tetsubo 
dashed that way.  

“Almost out, I can feel it.” grinned Tetsubo, “You okay there?”  
“I’m fine...  I’m actually glad I fell down that hole and had this 
adventure.”  
“It was certainly a convenient one to have in order to help you deal with your 
problem.” Tetsubo chuckled.  
“Yeah, and-” gasped Mitchell, but in a delighted surprised way as he noticed a 
little bear Pokémon with a crescent on its head, “Look, it’s a Teddiursa...  
I’ve always wanted that Pokémon.”  
“How’re your studies on basic attack moves Mitchell?” Tetsubo asked 
strangely.  
“Above average.” he answered.  
“Then use my Pokémon and try to capture it.  Go Scout, you’re under Mitchell’s 
orders for the next few minutes.”  
“Sentret.” it said, nodding to comply, she sure was an easy-going Pokémon.  
“Scout.  Use Tackle please.” pleaded Mitchell politely.  
“Sentret!” she cheered, charging forward on all fours towards the bear.  
It attempted a Lick attack but Mitchell noted out loud, “Don’t break off the 
attack, it won’t be able to paralyse you.”  
The tongue washed across the Sentret but it slammed into the opponent 
regardless, usually an attack like Lick could potentially paralyse, but it was 
a Ghost attack and therefore quite ineffective against Normal-type Pokémon, 
Tetsubo smiled, for Mitchell to realise that meant he had potential to be a 
great trainer.  
The bear fell back and took a stance, a dark aura around it.  
“That’s Faint Attack, it’s hard to avoid.” Mitchell noted, “Scout, use Defence 
Curl, take the hit and use Quick Attack.”  
The Teddiursa charged at amazing speed, but the hit wasn’t very effective what 
with Scout rolled up in a ball, as soon as the Teddiursa fell away from the 
impact, Scout uncurled and flew through the air to deal a fine hit, causing 
the Teddiursa to land on its back hard.  
“Oh no, we don’t get given Pokéballs at the school, nor are we supposed to own 
Pokémon until we’ve graduated.”  
“As long as you keep it inside during classes and be responsible, I don’t 
think that’ll be a problem.  Here.” smiled Tetsubo, handing one over.  
“Cool...” Mitchell squealed in delight, “Pokéball! Go!”  
The ball flew through the air, contacted the Teddiursa and absorbed it inside 
in energy form, the ball dropped, shook a little but the light went green.  
“Yay!” cheered, sprinting forward to retrieve his prize.  
“Return Scout, we’re both proud of you.” noted Tetsubo, retrieving his Pokémon 
and leading the way forward, “Why not let it out and get to know it 
Mitchell?”  
“Yeah...” he said, Tetsubo had never seen him so happy.  
As it appeared and let out a cute cheerful “Teddi!”, and Tetsubo took the 
opportunity to scan it.  

“Teddiursa, the Littlebear Pokémon.  This adorable Pokémon’s crescent glows 
when it’s at its happiest, its favourite food is honey and these Pokémon in 
the wild tend to hoard food away and hibernate during winter.”  

Its crescent was clearly glowing a little, “I guess it’s happy to have a 
trainer, these caves seem kind of lonely as well as dangerous.” Tetsubo 
remarked, “It’s a good thing you’ve worked through your fears.  All Pokémon 
grow up sometime and that Pokémon will one day evolve into a large Ursaring.  
I hope you realise that.”  
“I do, but there’s plenty of time before that happens, right?” Mitchell 
replied.  
“As long as you’re prepared for that day, I’ve nothing to say on the matter-  
Hey, this passage is a dead end.” Tetsubo stated, but upon pressing an ear 
against the cold rock he noted, “No, it’s the way out, but it’s blocked, and 
with the Pokémon we have, it’s going to take a while to break through.”  
“Eggcite! Metronome!” called out a high pitched voice, and Tetsubo had to dive 
back and shelter Mitchell and his Pokémon as a small explosion ripped through 
the wall, shattering the rocks and sending several pieces showering down 
everywhere.  
Tetsubo looked up as light shined through only for Danielle to immediately 
leap at him and hug him tightly, “Tetsubo! I’m so glad you’re safe!”  
Tetsubo peered past her shoulder to see that a Togepi belonging to her had 
caused the explosion, despite the recklessness of it since he and the others 
could have been hurt.  
Tetsubo struggled to move his arm with the Pokédex to scan that now, so that 
he’d not have to stick around with Danielle to record the rare white spiky 
headed Pokémon that seemed to be wearing the shell of the egg it was born in.  

“Togepi, the Spike Ball Pokémon.  A very innocent Pokémon that seems to have 
the mind of an infant, this Pokémon is a burden to raise compared to other 
Pokémon but is said to bring happiness and good luck to a trainer that raises 
it well.”  

“Danielle?...  What are you doing here?!...  Aren’t you meant to be studying?” 
questioned Tetsubo as the group made their way back, with Danielle still 
holding onto Tetsubo tightly.  
“I blew it off to join you on this trip, but by the time I arrived I heard 
from three kids that you’d got into trouble in the caves.” Danielle explained 
happily.  
“Well I appreciate the help despite your nearly seriously hurting us but could 
you please let go? The others will be worried about Mitchell here.” pleaded an 
annoyed Tetsubo.  
She only just noticed the younger boy, who gave a friendly wave in her 
direction, “I’m okay though; Tetsubo saved me and taught me not to fear big 
Pokémon.”  
“You never taught Me not to fear big Pokémon...” Danielle stated jealously.  
“You never listen to anything I have to say.” Tetsubo replied crossly and 
loudly.  
“And you spent the whole day with this kid?...” Danielle asked with a little 
disbelief in her tone.  
“It wasn’t intentional Danielle, don’t get bitter.  Besides, you don’t need 
any help; you got hypnotherapy to deal with your fears.” Tetsubo answered.  
“The danger and the fierce Pokémon thing yes.  But the Bug Pokémon fear’s 
still there cos I didn’t get that from that incident I told you about.  But 
I’d gladly have let you help me through my fears instead of seeing a 
psychiatrist like you recommended.”  
“Danielle, I don’t know what you’re talking about nor did I recommend anything 
to you.”  
“Are you sure? I must have dreamt it I guess, but it was still your advice I 
took, just as your falling in love with me is bound to happen in reality.”  
“Tetsubo, Mitchell...” said a relieved Miss Priscilla, “I’m so glad you’re 
safe...”  
“I appreciate your concern, but we’re fine.” Tetsubo smiled, breaking away 
from Danielle’s hold to greet the teachers.  
“You didn’t say that to me when I said what she did.” whined Danielle.  
“Miss Timmons, what are you doing out of class? You were meant to be studying 
for your exam.” questioned Earl.  
“I know enough, and my Tetsubo was in trouble, he needed me.” Danielle 
answered.  
“What are Wooper’s types?” he tested her.  
“Water and...  Poison?”  
“Wrong.  Perhaps we’d better postpone your exams until a later date.”  
“But Tetsubo’s exam matches mine, and he’ll leave as soon as he finishes.” 
Danielle whined.  
“I'm sorry Miss Timmons but you came here to study Pokémon and graduate the 
crash course, not to distract our promising student.” Earl pointed out firmly 
while raising a finger and pointing at her occasionally.  
“I beg to differ.” Tetsubo muttered, creeping away as Earl lightly scolded 
Danielle.  
“Well I think we've all had enough excitement for one day.” said Earl 
cheerfully, “Back to school everyone!...”  
“Postponed?...” uttered a dismayed Danielle, “I only came here because of 
Tetsubo...  To find and travel with him because we’re inseparable 
soulmates...  Tetsubo? You'll help me study and wait around for me to complete 
the course, won't you?...  Tetsubo?...  Tetsubo!...” she whined, before trying 
to catch up with the group as they returned to the school.  

End of Chapter 63B  

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